The binioù is a type of bagpipe. The word binioù means "bagpipe" in the Breton language.

In Brittany, there are two types of binioù: the traditional binioù kozh, also called biniou-bihan (kozh means "old" in Breton; bihan means "small"), and the binioù bras, also called binioù braz (bras means "big"). The binioù bras was brought to Brittany from Scotland in the late 19th century. The oldest bagpipe in Brittany is the veuze, and the binioù kozh is believed to have come from it.

The binioù bras is similar to the Scottish great Highland bagpipe. Sets are made by Breton craftsmen or imported from Scotland or other places.

The binioù kozh has a one-octave scale and produces a very high-pitched, soprano sound. It is tuned to play one octave higher than the bombard, which it accompanies. Older versions of the binioù kozh had one drone, while newer versions sometimes have two. In the past, the bag was made from a dog's skin, but today it is usually made from man-made materials or leather from cows or sheep.

Traditionally, the binioù kozh is played in pairs with the talabard, a double-reed instrument that sounds an octave below the binioù's melody. This combination is used for Breton folk dancing. The binioù bras is often part of a bagad band, though it is sometimes played with a talabard as well.

Films

Of Pipers and Wrens (1997). Produced and directed by Gei Zantzinger, in partnership with Dastum. Lois V. Kuter, ethnomusicological consultant. Published by Constant Spring Productions in Devault, Pennsylvania.