Shawm – Zurna

The zurna is an ancestor of the modern oboe. It has a double reed attached to a conical body with finger holes. It can be heard throughout Macedonia into the Pirin region, as well as in northern Greece, Turkey and Armenia. It is played with circular breathing, which enables the musician to never stop blowing. The high pressures required can cause haemorrhages in professional musicians. Often two musicians will play together, with one taking the melody and the other the drone. This is an instrument for the open air!