kaval

The kaval is a traditional end-blown flute used in the folk music of the Balkans, the Caucasus, and parts of Anatolia. It is typically made of wood—commonly plum, mulberry, or willow—though versions in reed or metal exist. The instrument is held horizontally and played by covering a series of finger holes along the front with the fingertips; a thumb hole on the back provides additional pitch control. Lengths vary, but kavals commonly range from about 40 to 60 centimeters, producing a warm, singing tone with a wide expressive range. The kaval is usually diatonic, but skilled players employ microtonal inflections, slide fingerings, vibrato, and precise breath control to access intermediate pitches and modal effects.

Playing technique emphasizes embouchure and breath management; players often use ornamentation such as long notes, tremolos, and glides between pitches. The instrument is central to pastoral and village music and appears in wedding and dance contexts. In the Balkans it is commonly found in Albanian, Macedonian, Bulgarian, and Turkish folk ensembles, with a repertoire ranging from slow laments to lively dance tunes. Regional variants exist in bore and fingering traditions, but all share a role that highlights melodic expression within traditional ensembles.

In modern times the kaval has seen revival and adaptation, appearing in contemporary folk, world music, and art music projects while preserving its traditional character.