Mizmar

Mizmar. Origin: Egypt. Turkish zurna. Indian shanaï / sahnaï / surnaï / nagasvaram – surney / sona (Cina), sralay (Kampuchea), pi nai (Thaïlandia). Sopile ( yougoslavia ), surnaj ( Tashkent), tiple (Spain), bombarde, chalémie (France), piffaro (Italia ), tarogato (Hongarien), alghaita (Niger), Auloi (Greece of the Vth century B.C), tibia – bone (Roman).
Wind instrument alike a popular oboe. The manufacturing and the terminology may vary according to the degree of islamization of the countries. Three different versions of the instrument exist in Egypt, each has a specific size and register and is used differently : the small sîbs, the big telf and the chalabîya or mizmar sa’idi ( medium size ). The mizmar performers in High Egypt, popularly named zoummarin, play in a trio and are rhythmically sustained by the tabla baladi a sort of double membrane drum, which also gives its name to the trio. The continuous breathing technique is essential : air is inspired through the nose while the cheeks are used as an air reservoir.