Sopilka

Sopilka (Ukrainian: Cопiлка) is the name of a type of woodwind instruments from the flute family used in Ukrainian folk music.

Sopilka

Sopilka Prima
Woodwind instrument
Classification	Woodwind
Hornbostel–Sachs classification	421.111-12
Related instruments
Floyara Frilka Zubivka

A sopilka is traditionally made of elderberry wood, but it can also be made of different materials, such as maple, walnut, beech or even plastic. In the past it had from six to eight holes, but it usually has ten since 1970. Sopilka exists in many ranges, such as the prima or soprano (high pitched). The sound system is diatonic.

History

Sopilka is one of the oldest music instruments: the oldest sopilka found is made of mammoth-bone and is from the Paleolithic age. It is also present in many 11th century's stories and paintings, like a fresco in Saint Sophia Cathedral, Kyiv. At first, it was a folk instrument, played by shepherds or by trios (called ktroisti myzyky) and sometimes played during weddings. It is also present in the play The Forest Song by Lesya Ukrainka.

Sopilka became an academic instrument in the second half of 20th century.

Modern times

In modern times, sopilka is still used by many Ukrainian musicians. For example: singer Ruslana, folk rock bands Kobza and Haydamaky, speed-folk group Kubasonics, folktronica bands Onuka and Kazka, and flautist Ihor Didenchuk from the folktronica groups Go_A and Kalush.

Gallery

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  A sopilka "Dvodentsivka" from 19th century
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  Shepherd from Polissia playing a sopilka "Dudka-vykrutka"
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  A coin where a character from The Forest Song plays the sopilka