Silk Road Instruments

duduk
[doo DOOK] orig. Caucasus (Armenia and Azerbaijan), northern Iran, northeast Iraq

The duduk is a tube of wood attached to a double reed, two pieces of cane fastened together. It is played by holding the double reed between the lips and blowing while covering and uncovering the holes with the fingers. It is known by several names including balaban in Azerbaijan. The duduk’s velvety sound and wide dynamic range have made it popular for a variety of musical genres. Traditionally it is played in small ensembles, often in duet with frame drums such as the daf [daf], in lyric songs and dances. Today it is also played in larger professional ensembles and in urban clubs.

Recordings by innovative musicians such as Djivan Gasparian feature the duduk in musical genres not previously associated with the instrument such as jazz. Gasparian has collaborated with famous classical ensembles such as the Kronos Quartet and with other musicians including Peter Gabriel. He has also been featured on the soundtracks of major films including The Crow.