WEDNESDAY 09 JUNE, 2010 |

Types of Pan Pipes

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Antara Origin: Somewhere along the Andes! Characteristics: Usually 13 pipes made from bamboo. Curved shape. Interesting Fact: Traditionally played by only men or boys.

Firlinfeu Origin: Unknown. However, popular in the Brianza region of Italy. Characteristics: Curved shape with pipes decreasing in size from left to right. Usually contains around 24 pipes. Interesting Fact: Difficult to obtain outside of Italy, the firlinfeu is kept alive by the "La Primavera" (translation: 'the Spring Group').

Khene  Origin: Lao Characteristics: A free reed instrument (air flows past brass or silver placed inside the instrument). Usually between 14-16 pipes. The pipes are all connected with a small, hollowed-out reservoir into which the player blows. Interesting Fact: According to Lao legend, the khene was created by a woman who was trying to imitate the sound of a garawek bird which she heard whilst walking through the forest one day. You can read more about the story here.

Kuvytsi  Origin: Ukraine. Characteristics: Contain various numbers of pipes. Many versions exist; the one sided kuvytsi has the pipe lengths in descending order whilst the two-sided has the largest pipe in the centre. Interesting Fact: The oldest kuvytsi ever found is over 5000 years old!

Nai  Origin: Romania and Moldova. Invented in the 17th century. Characteristics: Usually 22 pipes made from bamboo or reed. Curved with lower pipes on the left. Interesting Fact: Often found in gypsy tarafs throughout Moldova.

Paixiao Origin: Ancient China. The earliest surviving sample dates back to 6th century BC. Characteristics: Differs from South American and European panpipes as the holes at the top are cut at an angle. This allows the pitch to be 'bent'. Usually 16 tubes. Interesting Fact: The Paixiao died out in ancient times but recent interest has seen the instrument being reborn during the 20th century.

Siku (also known as the Zampoña) Origin: Peru. Characteristics: Many different varieties but often made from bamboo and contain 13 pipes. Pipes split over two rows which the player must alternate between. Interesting Fact: It is tradition that two people usually play the different rows on the same siku.

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News for Wednesday 21 April, 2010

• Origin of the Pan Pipes

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