Zurna
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The zurna, an instrument with a strong, high tone, is widespread in
Azerbaijan. It occupies an important place in Azerbaijan’s cultural life
(photo). The name “zurna” is thought to have come from the word “surnay”,
translated as “sur” (a large banquet) and “nay” (cane or reed). Many types of
zurna were widespread in the Middle East and Caucasus. Four types of zurna made
of deer horn were found during the archeological excavations at one of the
ancient settlements in Mingachevir. According to researchers, these instruments
date back 3,000 years.
The zurna is used mainly during national holidays for performing folk music
in the open air. There were at least six types of zurna: “gara zurna” (black
zurna), “gaba zurna”“arabi zurna” (Arabian zurna), “jura zurna” (small zurna),
“ajami zurna” (zurna of ajams) and “shahabi zurna”.
The zurna is usually made of apricot, walnut or mulberry wood. The diameter
at the top of the instrument is 20 mm; at the lower part of the instrument, it
is 60 mm. The length of the zurna is 302-317 mm. There are seven apertures on
the front side of the instrument. The end of the instrument has a plug (“masha”)
that is 120 mm long. It is made of wild willow, walnut or apricot wood. The
purpose of the plug is to regulate the tuning of the instrument.. The mouthpiece
is 7-10 mm long and made of cane. The player produces sound from the instrument
by inhaling air and breathing it out through the mouthpiece.
A round bobbin is attached to the round board in the middle of the pivot. The
bobbin functions as a kind of support for the lips. The air passes through the
mouthpiece, pivot and plug and enters into the body of the instrument. The
player plays the zurna by opening and closing the apertures with his fingers.
The range of the zurna goes from the “ti flat” of the small octave to the
“do” of the third octave. Depending on the mastery of the performer, the range
can be expanded by a few notes. These keys are identified as “extra” keys.
As a rule, the zurna is included in wind instrument ensembles. As a solo
instrument, or in ensembles or orchestras, the zurna is used for performing some
dance melodies such as the “jangi” and other musical patterns. Uzeyir Hajibeyov
included the zurna in the symphonic orchestra for his opera “Koroghlu”.
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