The shepherd’s horn can be called differently: “Vladimir”, “Russian”, “song”. This is a unique musical instrument, which refers purely to Russian culture. This number of names depends on the territory. After all, the Russian lands are so overwhelming that in every corner the people name the horn in their own way. Somewhere it is called a "pipe", and somewhere a "pipe". The name "Vladimir" horn received after the popularity of the famous choir in the Vladimir region.
What is a shepherd’s horn, what is it made of?
Shepherd’s horn is a Russian folk wind musical instrument, which is made, as a rule, from maple, birch or juniper. Moreover, they say that the shepherd’s horn made of juniper is the best and most functional tool.
In olden times, horns were made of 2 parts, and then fastened with birch bark. Nowadays, they are made on specialized horns.
The shepherd’s horn has a conical shape in the form of a tube and has 5 holes for the game and another pair of holes from below and above. The horn also includes a bell and a mouthpiece. The size of a musical instrument can be very different. It depends on its purpose. The length varies from thirty centimeters to ninety.
Varieties of shepherd’s horn
The qualities of an individual horn directly depend on its purpose. There are two kinds of shepherd’s horns. The first of them is called “screech” or “bass” and its purpose is ensemble performance. Such horns have a minimum size and very low sound for ease of use. The second is called "half-basque", and it serves for solo performance. The size of such horns should be medium.
It is important to note that the musical instrument has a very strong sound, but quite soft and pleasant to perceive.
Today, ensemble and solo horns, unfortunately, are almost never used, but some orchestras introduce these instruments for national color in their performances.
History of the Shepherd’s Horn
The history of this musical instrument is not very ancient, because the first mention of a horn was found in the 19th century. However, it is important to note that terms such as “pipe”, “pipe” can mean the same thing as a modern horn. Perhaps the "horn" is a newer name. And this means that the roots of the origin of this musical instrument are even deeper than we suspect.
The horn was widely used and is now used by guards, warriors and shepherds.
The horns became famous in the 19th century, after the performances of the famous carob choir, led by Nikolai Kondratiev. The choir lasted about forty years, gaining immense popularity among compatriots. The choir consisted of 12 horns, which were divided into three groups of four people. Each group was responsible for its task. For example, the first group was aimed at playing high echoes, the second at the main melody, and the third at the lower echoes. This choir has gained immense popularity in Russia. They played in high circles. They also found their fans abroad.
And he got the name "Vladimir" horn due to the fact that the famous choir originally performed in Vladimir.
The purpose of the shepherd’s horn. How to play it?
The horn musical instrument can be used for different purposes and therefore there are several genres of tunes for horns:
- signal tunes;
- dance;
- dance;
- songs.
Signal horns are used to control a flock of sheep, dance or dance are used to conduct dance ceremonies. And the most used and popular are song tunes for horns.