Piva (bagpipe)

The piva is a type of bagpipe, primarily associated with Italy. Specifically, the term most often refers to bagpipes found in central and southern Italy, though regional variations exist. The piva is characterized by its chanter (the melody pipe) and, typically, one or more drones.

The construction and tuning of the piva varies considerably from region to region. Some pive feature single reeds, while others utilize double reeds. The number of drones can also differ; some pive have one drone, while others have two or more. The bags are generally made from goatskin or sheepskin.

Historically, the piva has been a prominent instrument in folk music traditions, often played during religious festivals, particularly around Christmas and Epiphany. It is often played alongside the ciaramella, a type of shawm, creating a characteristic pastoral sound. The tradition of zampognari, traveling musicians playing the piva and ciaramella, continues in some regions, especially during the Christmas season.

Despite its historical importance, the piva, like many traditional musical instruments, has faced challenges in maintaining its popularity in modern times. However, efforts are being made by musicians and cultural organizations to preserve and promote the tradition of piva playing and construction. There are luthiers who specialize in building the instrument, and musicians who are working to keep the music alive through performance and education. The survival of the piva depends on continued interest and support from future generations.