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Πηδηχτός χορός
The lively dances with a quick tempo and skipping steps are called “leaping” (pidichtoi). They are generally accompanied by the gaida (bagpipe).
Greek bagpipes are of two types: the gaida of the northern provinces and the tsambouna of the islands.
Both have an air reservoir made from a goatskin or sheepskin bag, and a mouthpiece (made of wood, reed, or bone). The tsambouna, however, has two melodic pipes with five holes each, while the gaida uses only one pipe (with eight holes) for the melody, the second pipe serving as a drone. Both melody and drone pipes are fitted with beating reeds of the clarinet type.
Based on Domna Samiou’s 1965 field recording of the tune in Skoutaro, Lesvos.
Gaida (bagpipe)
