Do you know what the most difficult woodwind instrument in the world is?
It may be well known, but the oboe is registered in the Guinness Book of Records as the most difficult woodwind instrument in the world.
(Incidentally, the horn is also registered in the Guinness Book of Records as the most difficult brass instrument in the world!)
One of the factors often mentioned as contributing to the difficulty of the oboe is the “reed.
The oboe reed is a double reed, which is made by overlapping two reeds.
Adjusting the reed is essential to produce a good sound on the oboe, but it is said to be difficult because it is affected not only by temperature and humidity, but also by one’s physical condition.
On the other hand, there is a Japanese instrument with the same double reed as the oboe.
It is called Hichiriki.
The reed of the Hichiriki is called “rosetsu” and is made from a plant called reed.
Unlike Western double reed, it is made of flattened and crushed reeds.
The Hichiriki plays the main melody in Gagaku (court music, a fusion of music and dance), one of Japan’s musical cultures.
The Hichiriki is a small instrument, measuring only about 18 cm (7 inches) in length, but it is capable of producing a loud sound.
The sound of the instrument has been said to represent the sound of the earth and the human voice.
Its powerful and dynamic tone is sure to make you feel its presence even in Gagaku performances.
If you are interested, please listen to the performance.
Leave a review