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What is the difference between highland and lowland music?

Highland music refers to the traditional music of the Scottish Highlands, while lowland music refers to the traditional music of the Scottish Lowlands. These two regions have distinct musical traditions that reflect their different geographic and cultural histories.

Highland music is characterized by its use of bagpipes, fiddles, and Gaelic singing. The bagpipes are the most iconic instrument of the Highlands and are used in traditional ceremonies, dances, and military parades. Fiddles are also popular and are often played in combination with bagpipes. Gaelic singing is a central part of Highland music and is often used in traditional songs and ballads.

Lowland music is more varied in its instrumentation and style. It includes a wide range of instruments, such as the fiddle, accordion, piano, and guitar. Lowland music also features more singing in English than Highland music. Traditional dances, such as the strathspey and reel, are popular in the Lowlands and are often accompanied by music played on fiddles and accordions.

Overall, Highland and lowland music represent two distinct musical traditions that reflect the different cultural and geographic histories of these two regions of Scotland.

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