How the frula makes its sound
In the Hornbostel–Sachs system, which classifies instruments by how they produce sound, the frula belongs to the flutes (edge-blown): an air jet is split on a sharp edge, setting the air column vibrating – flutes, recorders, whistles and panpipes.
More broadly it is one of the aerophones (wind instruments), where sound comes from vibrating air.
Players shape its sound through technique and materials; the resonating body filters the raw vibration, boosting some harmonics and damping others.
From Wikipedia
The frula, also known as svirala (свирала) or jedinka, is a musical instrument which resembles a medium sized flute, traditionally played in rural Southeast Europe, primarily South Slavic countries. It is an end-blown aerophone with six holes, typically made of wood. The frula is a traditional instrument of South Slavic shepherds, who would play while tending their flocks.
For a list of similar instruments, see the section below.
Other flutes
Frequently asked questions
What does a frula sound like?
As one of the flutes, its sound comes from the way an air jet is split on a sharp edge, setting the air column vibrating.
What type of instrument is the frula?
It is classified as flutes (edge-blown) (Hornbostel–Sachs 421.211.12).
Where does the frula come from?
The frula originates from Serbia.
Sources & credits
- Wikidata Q3716790 – CC0
- Wikipedia: Frula – CC BY-SA 4.0
- Image by Народни музеј Топлице – CC BY-SA 4.0