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Doublereed Archive - Posting 000009.txt from 2005/04

From: PhilFrei@-----.com
Subj: [DR-L] Duduk
Date: Sat, 02 Apr 2005 14:50:30 -0500

Hi -

I recently discovered the Armenian instrument, the Duduk. It has a double
reed but also a cylindrical (like a clarinet) bore, and a very limited range:
octave and one note. It's most famous hearing in the U.S. is probably the
prominent role it played in the sound track for "Gladiator."

I just purchased an interesting "how to" book and have been reading about it.
It has a reputation for being a difficult instrument, but much of the
discussion about playing technique seems to indicate most of the issues are similar
to ones we deal with all the time on oboe. For example, there are separate
vibrato exercises for "embouchure" and for "breath" vibrato.

The part that seems like it would be hardest to master for an oboist is
dealing with intonation. On one hand, one has to master half-holing, as there are
no keys, just holes, as well as using breath and lip to reach a pitch. But
perhaps even more difficult, to play the authentic repertoire, one needs to be
able to hear the intricate tuning systems, some that rely on pythagorian
intervals smaller than a half-step.

I'm thinking of getting one, as they can be bought for under $100. I'm
wondering if anyone else has a Duduk, and how easy it is to get one that can match
Western pitch. It really does have a haunting tone.

- Phil Freihofner

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