A Pigg of a tune

Of the many great legends who made important contributions to the rich heritage of English folk music, the Northumbrian piper Billy Pigg (1902-68) was among the most significant.

He was an acclaimed master of his instrument who has inspired many players since. Nearly all the star Northumbrian pipers on today's festival circuit, such as Kathryn Tickell and Pauline Cato, freely acknowledge Pigg's influence.

But perhaps his most important contribution was in the tunes he wrote - a magnificent collection of delightful tunes which have significantly enriched the English folk repertoire.

Most of the tunes are jigs, reels and hornpipes, written by Billy to augment the traditional material available for his own playing at local dances and social functions. He also wrote waltzes, marches and airs.

When a visiting Irish piper commented that England didn't seem to have anything similar to the plaintive slow airs of Ireland, an indignant Billy said there were some lovely Northumbrian slow airs. Then he immediately slipped out and wrote the beautiful Border Spirit, returning a little later to 'recall' it and play it to prove the Irishman wrong.

Many of Pigg's tunes are named after prominent landmarks in his beloved north east - Wallington Hall, Biddlestone Hornpipe, Carrick Reel, Old Drove Road, Coffee Bridge, Hepple Haugh, Kielder Fells.

Others are after friends and relatives - Anne of Hindhope, Billy Pigg's (after his youngest son), J.R.Pigg (his father), Tora's (his wife), Tom Bellingham, Mary Armstrong, Jane of Biddlestone, Archie of Harehaugh.

Although based firmly in the traditional form of Northumbrian folk tunes, Billy's tunes have a distinctive individual style - a kind of cheekiness which gives them an extra delight both to play and to listen to. They also seem to invite players to put their own interpretations on them in performance - even to take liberties with them through exaggerated phrasing and rhythmic freedom - something which Billy was renowned for himself.

The Northumbrian Pipers Society - http://www.nspipes.co.uk - has published an excellent book of his tunes: "Billy Pigg, the Border Minstrel". Researched by prominent piper Adrian Schofield, it includes anecdotes about the master by people who knew him.

Required reading for anyone with an interest in English folk music, and required playing by English folk musicians.

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