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Zurna
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Name: Zurna

Alternate Name(s): Surnay,Mizmar,Sahnai

Geographic Region: West Asia

Country of origin: Turkey

Classification: Aerophone

Material:

  • Wood
  • Reed

Related Instruments:

  • Kaval

Author: Dave Fossum
           

Related Web Sites:

  • "Surnay" in Grove Music Online

printer friendly version of this page Physical description | History and context | References

Physical description

The zurna is a widely dispersed double-reed instrument known by a variety of names (surnay, mizmar, surla, sahnai) throughout the Muslim world and beyond. The instrument consists of a double-reed (not pictured above), held together by a metal bridle and inserted into a long cone-shaped body with finger holes. Some instruments feature additional parts, such as a disc-shaped mouthpiece or a fork inserted into the body to change the timbre. The zurna projects a loud, bright and raspy tone.

History and context

The zurna has a long history, is mentioned in the Quran, and seems to have diffused over a large area with the spread of Islam. The instrument appears in an assortment of contexts in many countries, but its powerful sound makes it particularly apt for outdoor performances, often linked to festive occasions or ceremonies, and frequently accompanied by drums. The two examples pictured above are from Turkey.

References

Christian Pochè and Razia Sultanova. “Surnāy.” In Grove Music Online. Oxford Music Online, http://www.oxfordmusiconline.com/subscriber/article/grove/music/31073 (accessed May 20, 2010).

Last Modified: 03-Jun-2010

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