My performance of two reels, Ceol na gCeartan and Sean Reid's, from the repertoire of Willie Clancy, one of Ireland's finest pipers

Seoladh na nGamhna, a slow air from the collection of Pilip O Laoghaire. This is an edit of my performance on the Sound Stage CD 'Ireland'

The world's most evolved bagpipe, the uilleann pipes are known for the uniquely expressive and haunting sound of the chanter. It is used as a top line in any soundtrack connected with the Celtic world. Known until relatively recently by the name Union pipes, the 'uilleann' (gaelic for 'elbow') pipes are of fairly new provenance, probably an evolution of the English 18th century pastoral pipe imported into Ireland and developed there, though this is contentious.

    Whatever the truth of the instrument's history, it is undoubtedly the Irish who have produced the greatest virtuosi on the instrument.

    The uilleann pipes were in danger of disappearing altogether as the last great exponents died and the practice of traditional music in Ireland slumped during the 1960s and 1970s (to be largely replaced by American country and western!). Fortunately a few younger pipers such as Liam Óg Ó Floinn, Paddy Keenan and Davy Spillane took the instrument to new heights in their solo work and with bands such as Planxty, the Bothy Band and Moving Hearts.

    The popularity of the uilleann pipes has never been greater. There are players in all countries throughout the world. However it is one of the most difficult instruments in the world to master, having a total of seven pipes to be sounded for the instrument to be played to its full capacity. According to Seamus Ennis, one of the most celebrated pipers of the last century, it takes 21 years of preparation 'and then you can start.'

    I believe that means I have completed my apprenticeship.

Billy Purvis, the 18th century Northumbrian piper, playing the Irish pipes.

A statue of Ganesh the Elephant God playing the uilleann pipes. He is being given his finishing touches

UILLEANN PIPES