panpipe

A panpipe, also called a pan flute, is a wind instrument made up of multiple tubes bound together in parallel. Each tube acts as a separate air column and produces a distinct pitch according to its length—longer tubes give lower notes. The tubes are typically closed at one end and opened at the top, and the player blows across the top edges of the tubes. In traditional forms the instrument is mainly diatonic, though some modern designs offer extended or chromatic possibilities.

Construction and variation vary by region. Panpipes are commonly crafted from bamboo, cane, wood, or metal and fastened with cords or leather straps. Some sets are arranged in a single row, while others group tubes in two or more rows, as seen in the Andean zampoña (siku), which is a central element of Andean folk ensembles. Other regional forms include the Romanian nai, which is a single-row variant used in Eastern European folk music.

Origins and cultural role: The panpipe appears in many cultures around the world and is among the oldest wind instruments. The name derives from the Greek god Pan, associated with rustic music and pastoral imagery. In the Andes, panpipes hold a prominent place in traditional music; in Eastern Europe, Romanian and Balkan traditions preserve panflute repertoires, while other regions incorporate the instrument into contemporary and fusion styles.

Playing technique and modern usage: Mastery requires precise embouchure and breath control, with the player selecting notes by covering the corresponding tubes. The instrument is used in folk, traditional, and contemporary music, including world-music ensembles and some film scores. Notable performers include Gheorghe Zamfir, who popularized solo pan flute in modern times and contributed to its international profile.