panflute

The panflute, also known as panpipes or syrinx, is a wind instrument made up of multiple tubes of varying length bound together in a row. Each tube acts as a separate resonator, producing a specific pitch when air is blown across the top edge or into the opening of the tube. Tubes are typically closed at the bottom and open at the top, and they are arranged in ascending order of length. Materials commonly used include wood, bamboo, cane, and other light materials; some regional variants feature two or more rows of tubes.

To play the panflute, a musician blows across the open tops of the tubes, creating an edge tone that excites the air column inside each pipe. The pitch of each note is determined mainly by the tube length, with shorter tubes producing higher notes. The performer selects notes by directing the breath from one tube to another and by using embouchure and breath control. Tuning is achieved through careful selection of tube lengths and, in some cases, adjustable mouth positions or air pressure.

Panpipes have ancient roots and appear in various cultural contexts around the world. In the Andes, the siku or zampoña is a prominent traditional form, often arranged in two or more rows. In the broader Western and world music spectrum, the instrument rose to international prominence in the 20th century, aided by renowned players such as Gheorghe Zamfir. The name syrinx also evokes Pan, the mythological Greek god of the wild, who is traditionally associated with this type of flute.