frulas

Frula is a small traditional wooden wind instrument from the Balkan region, used in the folk music of Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro. It is an end-blown flute (aerophone) typically carved from soft woods such as willow or plum. The instrument is short and narrow, usually featuring several finger holes along the front and, on some versions, a thumb hole on the back. Depending on construction, it is tuned to a local key, commonly around C or B-flat.

Playing on the frula involves producing a resonant air stream across the top end while fingering the holes to change pitch. Pitch is obtained by opening and closing the holes in sequences to produce melodies, often in a pentatonic or diatonic scale. It can be played solo or as part of folk ensembles that include instruments such as the gusle, tamburica, or accordion. Traditional repertoire includes dances, shepherd songs, and ceremonial tunes.

History and cultural context: The frula has deep roots in the Dinaric and Adriatic cultural areas and is associated with rural and festive music traditions. In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, revival and modernization efforts led to renewed instrument making, formal teaching, and integration into contemporary folk and world music styles.

Variants: There are regional variants with differing numbers of holes and lengths. While it shares a family resemblance with other Balkan end-blown flutes, the frula is distinguished by its simple construction and its place in traditional local repertoires.