What does Ukraine and Switzerland have in common? Being obsessed with punctuality, a little bit right on rules, highly serious and individualistic? Oh, no! It will definitely not go for Ukraine!
Enchanting landscapes and inspiring atmosphere? Passion for soccer? This is for sure.
However, actually, there is one more noble thing really close to both countries. The way of communication used in the Alps and Carpathian mountains! A long wooden windpipe instrument, which is called “trembita” in Ukraine and “alpenhorn” in Switzerland was the thing for getting in touch. They were used by mountain dwellers (“hutsuls” and “gorals” in the Carpathians) as a signaling device to announce deaths, funerals, weddings, birth of children and dangers.
In addition, they helped to guide sheep and dogs. “Trembitas” and “alpenhorns” were often the only possible key to inform where was the shepherd together with the flock.
Not any celebration or funeral will do without these instruments.
“Trembita is a long straight piece of pine or spruce (it is the best, if it has been struck by lightning) which is split in two. The halves are brought together and then wrapped in birch bark or osier rings (glue is not used in order to have that necessary unique sound).
The “alpenhorn” is cut out of the same wood as well, but it also has a cup-shaped mouthpiece added, which was beautifully decorated in addition.
“Trembita” is the longest wind pipe instrument in the world. It can reach a length up to 8 meters, while “alpenhorn” is 4 or 5 meters. According to the mind of musical experts, exactly the “alpenhorn” was the thing which has influenced the famous jodl sing of the alpen shepherds.
Ukrainian and Swiss folklore is full of different legends and stories connected with these magic instruments to connect people’s hearts.
In case if you would like to learn how to play a horn or any other music instruments, you can always find your tutor on TutorZ!
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