Also known as zuffalo, chiufolo, ciufolo, picco pipe, and as an instrument to teach birds because of its comparable sound, this Italian fipple flute is one of the shortest of that family and has origins in the 14th century. Ranging about 8cm long, has a rear thumb-hole, two front finger-holes, and a conical bore, but there are also longer versions with more holes, and the Sicilian version ranges up to 29cm, and is known as a friscalettu. It’s sound is very loud and carries distances, is clear and clean, and can be played in a variety of contexts. It is particularly useful for fast, traditional dances, but can also be effective for slower, more melacholy melodies.
The short, traditional zufolo or picco pipe
First then, let's see how it is constructed and sounds.
Now here are variety of demonstrations and performances from the modern to the traditional:
And finally, with a certain irony, this is also the theme tune from the mafia film, The Godfather, written by the Italian composer Nino Rota.
So then, care to whistle up a few more from your music collection? Please feel free to share any further examples in songs, instrumentals, on albums, film, art or other contexts in comments below.
You can also get in touch the contact page, and also visit us on social media: Song Bar Twitter, Song Bar Facebook. Song Bar YouTube. and Song Bar Instagram. Please subscribe, follow and share. New to comment? It is quick and easy. You just need to login to Disqus once. All is explained in About/FAQs ...
Please make any donation to help keep Song Bar running: