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The Baghet

Recent researches on this instrument have permitted to rediscover it and to add value to the "Baghet", the bagpipe of the Bergamo valleys. Evidences have been found to prove the sure presence of this instrument in many areas: Imagna valley, Valtorta, middle Seriana valley, high Seriana valley (Bratto), and Gandino valley.

It is though only in the Gandino valley that we got the most successful outcomes. A few instruments have been found there and thanks to a player and the testimony of several people, we managed to recover a part of its musical heritage.

The Baghet from Gandino valley was composed by a chanter (called "Diana" or "Pia"), two drones (the "bas" or "orghegn"), the blowpipe and the bag ("baga") made of sewed goat or sheep leather, that gave the name to the instrument: Baghet. The "Diana" with seven holes on the front and one on the back for the thumb, going from the third finger it has an extension of an octave. Closing the low-pitched little finger, we get the "sensitive".

The tonality is A major. It is possible to get a slight variation of the tonality by working on the reed and the opening of the holes. On the ground of an experience on various copies of the instrument, it can be observed that the baghet can easily be tuned on Bb major. The two drones are tuned as following: the small one an octave under the "Diana" and the big one two octaves under the keynote.

The baghet is played by holding the bag under the left forearm, keeping the bigger drone on the left shoulder and the small one on the right forearm. A skillful constructor as well as discoverer and researcher on this instrument is Walter Biella from Bergamo.

More information: www.baghet.it.