The uilleann pipes (from the Irish uilleann — “elbow”) are the national bagpipes of Ireland and one of the most complex folk instruments in the world. Unlike the loud Scottish bagpipes, their air is pumped not by the mouth but by a bellows under the elbow, so one can play seated and even sing at the same time.
Their sound is quieter, sweeter, and extraordinarily melodious, with a wide range. Besides the melody pipe (the chanter), the uilleann pipes have drones and special regulator pipes that allow simple chords to be played — a rarity for bagpipes. This makes the instrument incredibly expressive, capable both of virtuosic dance tunes and of poignant slow melodies (the air). The uilleann pipes are extremely difficult to master, and so are considered the summit of Irish instrumental art.
