Sopilka

Sopilka
	Sopilka Prima
Woodwind instrument
Classification	Woodwind
Hornbostel–Sachs classification	421.111-12
Related instruments
	Floyara; Frilka; Zubivka;

Sopilka (Ukrainian: Cопiлка) is the name of a type of woodwind instruments from the flute family used in Ukrainian folk music.^[1]

A sopilka is traditionally made of elderberry wood, but it can also be made of different materials, such as maple, walnut, beech or even plastic.^[2] In the past it had from six to eight holes, but it usually has ten since 1970.^[1] Sopilka exists in many ranges, such as the prima or soprano (high pitched). The sound system is diatonic.^[2]

History

Sopilka is one of the oldest music instruments: the oldest sopilka found is made of mammoth-bone and is from the Paleolithic age.^[1] It is also present in many 11th century's stories and paintings, like a fresco in Saint Sophia Cathedral, Kyiv.^[1] At first, it was a folk instrument, played by shepherds or by trios (called ktroisti myzyky)^[1] and sometimes played during weddings.^[2] It is also present in the play The Forest Song [en] by Lesya Ukrainka [en].^[2]

Sopilka became an academic instrument in the second half of 20th century.^[2]

In modern times, sopilka is still used by many Ukrainian musicians. For example: singer Ruslana, folk rock bands Kobza [en] and Haydamaky [en], speed-folk group Kubasonics [en],^[3] folktronica bands Onuka [en] and Kazka [en],^[2] and flautist Ihor Didenchuk [uk] from the folktronica groups Go_A and Kalush.^[4]