birbyn

Birbynė, or birbynės in plural, is a traditional Lithuanian wind instrument and a component of Baltic folk music. It is a wooden aerophone typically built as a straight tube with several finger holes along the front and a simple mouthpiece. The player produces sound by blowing into the mouthpiece and covering holes to form melodies; the instrument has a bright, clear timbre and is capable of expressive melodic lines. Regional variants differ in length, bore, and fingerings, and some versions may include additional features such as a secondary channel, though such configurations are not universal. Modern birbynė can be made from a range of woods and, in contemporary practice, from other materials as well.

In traditional use, the birbynė appears in rural dances and seasonal celebrations and is often heard in ensembles with fiddles, accordions, and drums. It is also played solo, with repertoire ranging from simple folk tunes to more ornate melodies. The instrument underwent revival in the 20th century as part of efforts to preserve and promote Lithuanian folk culture. Today it is taught in folk schools and performed by traditional ensembles as well as in contemporary works that treat the birbynė as a living instrument within Lithuanian music.

The birbynė remains an emblem of Lithuanian musical heritage and a tangible link to Baltic folk craftsmanship. It continues to influence new compositions and arrangements, reflecting both historical traditions and modern experimentation.