The Duda
The duda is a member of the woodwind instrument family.It orignates from Hungary and is sometimes referred to as the bellow pipes.
Цімох, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Woman playing Duda via PxHere
Up to the 16th century it was the military instrument of the hussars (cavalry). For centuries the bag piper was extremely popular and appreciated by every level of society. In the 19th century, a single bag piper was often the ‘whole orchestra’ at weddings, carnivals and dances. It was also used for army recruiting, but by the 20th century, bagpipe music almost disappeared.
The bag is made out of a single goat, sheep or dog skin with the fur on the inside. Then a reed mouthpiece and wooden or reed pipes are attached.
Taras r, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Bagpipie Musician by Marko Milivojevic, via Pixnio
Folk music is often played with the duda and it is usually played solo.
How do I play the instrument?
Blow into the mouthpiece and keep the bagpipes inflated. Then, plug or remove your fingers from the openings of the pipes to make sound.
Are there any instrument silimar to this one?
Bagpipes
How long does it take to learn?
It generally takes two to three years to become proficient at the duda, or other types of bagpipes.
Is there special equipment needed for the instrument?
No
© Traumrune / Wikimedia Commons
Rock with a Star!
Let’s enjoy the sound of this instrument through this wonderful performance by Mykhailo Tafiychuk
From a family of musicians and instrument makers that lives in the Carpathian Mountains, Mykhailo Tafiychuk makes and plays many different ancient instruments such as the hurdy-gurdy, tsymbaly, and duda.