ocarinas

The ocarina is a small wind instrument in the family of vessel flutes. It has a hollow body with finger holes and a mouthpiece or blowing edge that directs air into the resonating cavity. Sound is produced as the air column inside the body vibrates when holes are opened or closed, allowing the player to change pitch. Modern ocarinas are commonly made from ceramic, plastic, or metal and come in a variety of sizes and shapes.

Historically, the modern ocarina was developed in the 19th century in Italy by Giuseppe Donati. The name is widely said to derive from Italian roots, often described as meaning “little goose,” reflecting the instrument’s rounded shape and gentle tone, though the exact origin is disputed. From its Italian origins the ocarina spread to other parts of Europe, Asia, and the Americas, where it was adopted for education as well as hobbyist and folk music.

Shapes and ranges vary among ocarinas. The most common forms are globe- or teardrop-shaped vessels with four to twelve finger holes, though larger or differently shaped models exist. Some ocarinas are diatonic, others are designed to cover extended ranges up to two or more octaves, and many players learn chromatic fingering to access a full scale on a single instrument. The timbre is often described as pure, flute-like, and lightly breathy, with a sweetness suited to melodies.

In contemporary culture, ocarinas are used in folk and classroom settings, solo performances, and small ensembles. They gained popular visibility through video games and media, notably the Legend of Zelda series, which helped broaden interest in the instrument worldwide.