I've been waiting patiently (mostly) for something to come in the mail and something did. This, however, was a complete surprise.
The dvojnice is a pastoral instrument common to many countries of the Balkans; a shepherd would play it while following his herd or performing for his friends.
Source: Dvojnice [Bosnia] (89.4.1589) | Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History | The Metropolitan Museum of Art
This one is from Yugoslavia.
It's been hard to find much information in English and the following may be referring to a different double shepherd's flute. There is also a long, single shepherd's flute.
From the New World Encyclopedia - Shepherds directed their flocks by their playing, since sheep remember and recognize a melody in time. A shepherd could “teach” his flock to start from the pen towards the pasture at one melody, and to return to the village in the evening at another.
That seems way more classy than shaking a vanilla wafer box.
The following are two completely different videos. Both worth watching if you are interested. I'm making a guess that the two songs are from different regions?
I could barely watch and listen to this video the first time through, but now I'm hooked. Like I absorbed it somehow. I am very excited to try to learn to play it...and I'm pretty sure there will have to be some sheep bells in my future as well ;-).
Thank you akpeacecat - you made my day!
20 comments:
How wonderful! I can't wait to see/hear the video of YOU playing.
I've wanted to get at least one bell for my flock for years!
Some day...
I really love the music in the first video; how cool is it that someone sometime invented a double flute? Had you ever heard of these before, or was this an unexpected gift?
I have never seen a flute like this.. I can hardly wait to see you playing on U-tube with your flute..
The only thing I have is a recorder that I bought in Vermont when I was visiting there ....I have the book and I still haven't taken the time to play..
That is a beautiful flute...what a great gift you receive... some one must think you are very special...
Completely unexpected. Just showed up in the mail. Took about an hour to even find it anywhere on the internet.
She's a special friend...yet another cool person I met through sheep and fiber :-).
Sounds like something from the old country. My Mom was born in Albania and our son-in-laws family lives in Croatia. Will have to ask him about it...
It is very beautiful...give it a shot.
How cool is that?! Way more classy than shaking a coffee can full of corn, too. I fully expect to see your own video soon. :)
What a very special gift! It is beautiful to look at as well as purposeful. Perhaps your first song will be "Bringing in the Sheep"!
What a beautiful instrument and I love the sound. I have several recorders, too. As an old clarinet player, I'd love to get ahold of one like that, too. Wow! What a treasured gift!
There's probably a shepherd somewhere in the old country saying "geez, I wish I had a box of vanilla wafers to shake instead of playing this dumb flute". Actually this is the coolest thing I've ever seen. We'll all expect a concert at the next HASD.
There's probably a shepherd somewhere in the old country saying "geez, I wish I had a box of vanilla wafers to shake instead of playing this dumb flute". Actually this is the coolest thing I've ever seen. We'll all expect a concert at the next HASD.
Wow! We had a man play something like that at church a month or two ago. He made his own. They weren't for sheep so probably not the same thing, but still very cool. I'm game. I wonder if this flute and my flute have any similarities?...
Awesome! What in the world would we do w/o the Internet and wonderful friends who give us wonderful gifts?
Such a beautiful instrument it is!
That is wild! The cows like music, expecially trombones. (It is that basso masculine quality, I am certain.) We called the cows in from the field when I was a kid, but we bellowed; with our voice. Cows come when you call them.
I had no idea that sheep would come if you called them with music. It is almost a flute duo by yourself. Very cool.
It is so beautiful looking. Rich and full of soul. A romantic instrument for shepherds - who are definitely romantics.
Too cool! Now you can call the boys in class.:-))
I'm sure Farmer Rick could master it in one playing and teach it to you. He never ceases to amaze me in the woodwind department. Looks like you are limited in scale tones but can play a duet with yourself. How cool is that!?
Second video looks like Ruthenia where my ancestors were shepherds. (Hmm...I don't see the sheep reacting to that song...)
What a unique gift..just perfect for you..I loved the haunting tune in the first video..and the second one has marvelous scenery..but I got a bit dizzy:)
Oh, I am in love! The video did not come up but this is a wonderful flute! I wish to see more! lol
Hi Dvojnice is a mesmorazing. piece of artcraft the tone comes from the heart as well as anyone's soul,Love to see the reaccion of the sheeps soon as I memorize the duet I believe is a true Gift ,not only from my Dad its a marvel of Simplicity to cherisee for Generation to come where can I learn more songs...much Love and Respect my Dad my Day Thank you ps: for posting this valuable Pice of History...
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