The Rich Soundscape of Traditional Armenian Musical Instruments

Armenia is a country with an incredibly rich culture, and traditional music is one of the most important aspects of this culture. Traditional Armenian music originated thousands of years ago and remains an integral part of Armenia’s cultural fabric today.  

The folk music of Armenia is played with a variety of unique musical instruments that may be unfamiliar to people outside of the Caucasus region. Let’s take a closer look at some of these traditional instruments. 

 
Duduk 
The duduk may be the most emblematic instrument of Armenian folk music. This double-reed woodwind instrument is made of apricot wood. It is of Armenian origin, but there are also variants in other parts of the Caucasus and Middle East, such as Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkey, Iran, and Russia. 
Played typically in duos, one musician crafts the melody while the other weaves in the rhythmic drone called “dum.” Together, they produce an evocatively rich sound. Its sound, shaped by its unique reed and cylindrical design, is more similar to the English horn than its cousins, the oboe or bassoon. A notable distinction of the duduk is its notably broad reed, a contrast to instruments like the oboe or shawm. 
In recognition of its cultural significance, UNESCO honored the Armenian duduk and its melodies as a Masterpiece of Intangible Heritage in 2005 and further celebrated it in 2008. Its mesmerizing tones have graced the scores of films, including prominent features in The Russia House and Gladiator. 
 
Zurna 
The zurna is a woodwind instrument made of hardwood from fruit trees like plums and apricots. Like the duduk, there are several variations of the zurna, but the Armenian zurna is the most typical. It is a cousin of the oboe and is produced nearly everywhere where the common reed is found.  

Zurna players must exert high pressure to produce a tone from the zurna, and this tone is usually extremely loud, sharp, and high-pitched. This high-pressure requirement means that players must use circular breathing to continuously play.  
Due to its consistent volume and continuous play, the zurna isn't the best choice for rhythmic emphasis. That's why it's often paired with booming drums, which not only underscore the rhythm but also provide deep notes that reach farther than the zurna's sharp, high-pitched tones. 
Featuring a straight cylindrical shape with a bell opening that flares out in a parabolic fashion, the zurna is designed to project its sound forward. Given its piercing tone, paired with the thumping beats of large drums, it's been traditionally played outdoors during festive occasions like weddings or public festivities.  
Historically, its clear, distinct sound made it ideal for drawing crowds for public announcements. Over time, this authoritative use of the zurna evolved into Janissary bands and later became synonymous with military music. 
 
Kamancheh  
The kamancheh is a stringed instrument of Persian origin, which is also popular in the traditional music of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Kurdistan. This instrument is related to the rebab and the Byzantine Lyra. 
The kamancheh boasts a unique design that's both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Its neck, shaped to allow for easy bow movement, extends to a pegbox that houses four pegs. Although earlier versions had three silk strings, contemporary kamanchehs come with four metal ones. 
Not just a musical tool, the kamancheh often displays intricate inlays and exquisitely carved ivory pegs. Its body seamlessly transitions from a slender neck to a rounded base made of either gourd or wood. This base is typically covered with a membrane, often sourced from lamb, goat, or even fish skin, which serves as the resting point for the bridge. 
A distinct feature is its spike at the bottom, allowing players to balance it on their thigh, similar to how a cellist holds a cello. Despite its resemblance to larger instruments, the kamancheh is closer in size to a viol. 

 
Sring 
Hailing from the Armenian pastures, the sring is a flute traditionally carried and played by shepherds. In general terms, “sring” is a label for flutes that you'd play from the end. Crafted from materials like stork bone, bamboo, apricot wood, or cane, these flutes boast seven or eight finger holes, forming a diatonic tune. Komitas, a noted Armenian scholar of music, regarded the sring as quintessentially Armenian. 

Enter the blul, a relative of the sring. Drawing comparisons to the kaval, the blul can be viewed as the contemporary iteration of the ancient sring. Its hallmark features include rings circling its body, a bulkier finish on both ends, and a sound that's soft, subdued and velvety. 

Dhol 
The dhol is a large drum with two heads, which is played with mallets. It resonates with a powerful presence, its two distinct heads producing contrasting sounds. While one end offers a profound, bass-filled beat, the other provides a crisp, treble note. These varied tones stem from its intricate construction and the dexterity with which it's played. 
In Armenia, it's not uncommon to hear the dhol harmonizing with the zurna's airy notes. But the dhol isn't exclusive; it mingles freely with a plethora of instruments and ensemble pieces.