duct flute; sample

Sample of 'karir' (Capparis aphylla Roth.) wood for block of algoza duct flute.

Both instruments are blown simultaneously. Only three (parallel) holes of the five fingerholes are covered with the fingers, the rest are blocked. The choice of holes to be blocked is dependent on the range of the voice of the instrument (or singer) to be accompanied. The raags played on the algoza are bharvi and sarang. Circular breathing technique is used by the player to achieve a continuous sound. Played with toombi (spike lute) and in ensemble for traditional dancing.

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