Alboka

The alboka is a traditional Basque musical instrument. It is a double-reed woodwind instrument, typically made from elder wood. The alboka consists of two distinct pipes, joined together. One pipe is the chanter, which has finger holes for playing melodies. The other pipe is a drone, which produces a continuous, sustained note.

The sound of the alboka is often described as reedy and somewhat nasal. It is a folk instrument with a long history in the Basque Country, a region spanning parts of northern Spain and southwestern France. Historically, the alboka was played by shepherds and farmers, often accompanying singing or dancing. Its use has seen a revival in recent decades, with contemporary musicians incorporating it into various musical styles.

Playing the alboka requires a technique known as circular breathing, which allows the player to sustain a continuous sound by inhaling through their nose while expelling air from their mouth. This technique is common in many traditional wind instruments. The repertoire for the alboka includes traditional Basque folk tunes, as well as more modern compositions. Its unique sound makes it an easily recognizable element of Basque musical heritage.