the Pipe and Tabor compendium

the Pipe and Tabor compendium

essays on the three-hole pipe

20th century France

by Frances

The galoubet continued to be popular in Provençe, France, into the 19th and 20th centuries as the " Félibrige" movement (founded in1854) defended and promoted local language, literature and customs, which included the pipe and tabor.

'Galoubet and tambourin' players were often photographed in picturesque settings as part of the local tourist marketing. Postcards were sold showing rustic individuals, groups with a conductor and larger groups posed infront of beautiful backgrounds, religious celebrations on church steps, playing for folk dancing with adults and children and with dancers in classical poses and settings.

An example of the ttun ttun from a postcard:

A classical piece of music called 'La tempĂȘte' written in 1888 by Ernest Chausson, Act III, contains a section 'alleggretto leggiero' which is said to be a flute and tambour duet. I believe that it might be playable on the galoubet and tambourine.
Hidden Treasures series, at 9.50 minutes:

In 1906 a Mlle Isalison

"revived the Old Provencal Dance of the Middle Ages, which was originally executed to the sound of pipe and tabor. Her first appearance on the stage produced a veritable furore amoung the audience"
reported in 'The Penny Illustrated Paper and Illustrated Times', April 1906

An example of 20th century galoubet music is by Henri Tomasi (1901-1971)

"1960 Le tombeau de Mireille : pour galoubet, ou petite flute, ou hautbois et tambourin, ou caisse claire detimbree, ou piano"     
Publication includes biographical information in French, English, German and Spanish; pieces for 3-hole pipe, tabor , 3-hole pipe, side drum, 3-hole pipe, piano

Catalogued at the Royal Academy of Music, London


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