The clarinet became a traditional instrument in three different roles: in Gypsy ensembles, in village brass bands, and as a shepherd's instrument played by itself. In Gypsy music, the clarinettist plays the melody with the prímás - the lead violinist - in such a way that he also provides an accompanying role, building the chords into his lively solo parts. Among shepherds and peasants, the clarinet was mainly introduced from the late 19th century through the fashion for having a local brass band. The instrument known by village folk as the tárogató has a reed like a clarinet's, but is shaped like an oboe, that is, with a conical bore. Its lower register has a metallic and trumpet-like sound, but its upper register is soft and plaintive. Its repertoire consists of folk songs, particularly slow melodies with loose rhythms.

Age: 8-12 year
Presented by: Müpa Budapest