zurla
A wind instrument usually made of walnut or plum wood. It consists of two parts: a conical pipe and a beak (slavec) which is inserted at the upper end.
The zurla has seven finger holes and one thumbhole on the back, vent holes in the lower part, and a reed with a disc on the upper end.
In playing, the zurla is held with both hands slanted at ~45° from the eyesight. The fingers of the left hand cover the lower four holes, the right hand fingers cover the upper holes and the thumbhole. The flattened reed is placed completely in the mouth and the lips touch the metal disk (mednik) which aids the cheek muscles. Playing this instrument requires a characteristic circular breathing.
The zurla plays two octaves of approximately the natural scale. Chromatic tones (D#, F#, A# and B#) are also available, by changing the breath pressure and a combination of the tone holes covered.
The zurla has a distinct, very loud and piercing sound. It is invariably accompanied by the traditional double-sided drums "tapani". The most desirable combination is two zurli and two tapani.
It is believed that the zurla was brought in Macedonia from the Middle East, either by the Gypsies or the Turks. Today it is mostly played by the Gypsies.
The zurla repertoire is closely related to traditional dances, which are performed on weddings or holidays.
