As a Scot I really need to disagree :D While there is a lot of bagpipe music that is both beautiful and sad (the laments being an obvious example) there is also bagpipe music which I would say is much more uplifting and cheerful. I was listening to a CD the other day full of reels and jigs and some folk songs and I couldn't stop singing along and tapping my toe to the music.

I do have to say that bagpipe music doesn't do very well played inside though unless you have a very large hall (or are using a recording which can be turned down to fit the room size).

I hope FIL's funeral goes well Flowerpot and gives him a good send off.