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This is a six CD set of Piobaireachd recorded by Malcolm
MacPherson (Calum Og) in 1959 as a companion to the BINNEAS
IS BORERAIG music books series. The decision to re-release the
110 tunes in a 6-volume CD set in 2009 only comes on the back of
recent advances in technology which allows digital re-mastering to
be done to a sufficiently high standard to present these archival
recordings to the piping public.

The books themselves are ground-breaking in a number of ways.
Edited by Dr. Roddie Ross, they use the unique system of three
lined notation which he developed as well as a system of colours
which is an aid to visual memory. Bar lines are also done away
with and in their place the piper is advised to get his or her timing
by means of “silent percussion”, walking to the subconscious
mood of the music.

In its time both the books and the original recordings were well used by real exponents of the high art of Piobaireachd although it is fair to say that they were less well received by the so-called establishment. However, that has changed and in recent years the books have been re-printed although the recordings have long been much sought after collectors’ items.

Pipers everywhere will be aware that these recordings were not done by Malcolm MacPherson when he was in his competitive prime, but instead represent a master player in his later years - with the benefit of a lifetime to re-study and reflect on the music passed down to him by a long line of piping greats.

His own MacPherson line of piping goes back directly to the MacCrimmons through Malcolm’s father Angus, his grandfather Calum Piobaire and his great-grandfather Angus Cam to the great Skye masters - and provides this collection with its title, ‘Binneas is Boreraig’ or ‘Melody is Boreraig’.

For it was the MacCrimmons whose mastery of Piobaireachd, the ancient classical music of the Highlands of Scotland, was unrivalled at any time in history. In turn, their students spread their unique way of playing throughout firstly, the West Highlands, and then the world.

Today the teachings of the MacPherson piping line, itself a faithful reproduction of the music of the MacCrimmons, is the predominant strand of existing playing. While that has much to do with the beautiful expressive style taught in the traditional way from master to pupil it is also a testament to the outstanding ability of the MacPhersons as pipers. Malcolm Ross MacPherson (1907-1966) was certainly no exception and was considered to be one of the great players of his generation, perhaps of the century.

Calum Og’s competitive record has also stood the test of time and his wins in the Highland Society of London Gold Medal (1927) and Clasp (1930, 1937) events for Piobaireachd at the Northern Meeting have ensured that his name is permanently etched in the piping history books.

The  Piobaireachd on this CD have been digitally re-mastered from original vinyl recordings which themselves have been recorded off reel to reel tapes.

While every effort has been made to capture a quality sound, the real beauty is in the preservation of one of the great names in the modern history of Piobaireachd.

DISC ONE:
Originally recorded in 1959, re-mastered in 2009
Includes: The Lament for Donald Duaghal MacKay, The Children’s Lament,
MacLeod’s Salute, Craigellachie, MacLeod of Colbecks, The Menzies’ Salute, The
Blind Piper’s Obstinacy, MacLeod’s Controversy, The King’s Taxes, MacFarlane’s
Gathering, The King Has Landed in Moidart, The MacKays’ Banner, The Vaunting,
Praise of Marion, Glengarry’s March, The Bells of Perth, The Glen is Mine, The Big
Spree.

DISC TWO:
Originally recorded in 1959, re-mastered in 2010
Includes: I Gave a Kiss to the King’s Hand, Too Long In This Condition, Lament for
MacDonald’s Tutor, The Prince’s Salute, Donald Gruamach’s March, MacLeod of
Raasay’s Salute, MacNab’s Gathering, Lament for the Viscount of Dundee, The
MacKenzies’ Gathering, The Young Laird of Dungallon’s Salute, The Munro’s Salute,
The Sister’s Lament, The Piper’s Warning to his Master,  Grain in Hides and Corn in
Sacks, MacKenzie of Applecross’s Salute, The Lament for Patrick Og MacCrimmon,
The End of the Big Bridge, MacCrimmon Will Never Return