Zurna
Click here to play an audio clip of a Zurna.
Zurna is a musical instrument from the wooden wind family. It has a double reed for generating the sound. The Zurna is mentioned as early as the IX century in the epic tale "David of Sasun". It was widely used in everyday life-it accompanied grape gathering, grain grinding, cloth making, tight rope walkers' feasts, popular games, etc. Today the Zurna is played at weddings and other public festivities, usually in the open air. It is considered an outdoor instrument since it is very loud. Owing to its loud tone, the instrument is rarely used in the orchestra. The performer is often accompanied by another Zurna player sustaining a drone, and, accompnied by a Davul (drum) player. The Zurna originates from Western Armenia (Historical Armenia).
Click here to play an audio clip of a davul(drum) and Zurna.