Shellika
Schalika ( Russian Жалейка , žalejka , English transcriptions zhaleika, zhaleyka, jaleika ) is a horn whistle that was originally played by shepherds and is now used in Russian folk music. Its piercing, slightly rasping sound is produced by an idioglotten single reed . The sound tube made of reed , willow or elder is 10–20 cm long. At its lower end there is a horn made of cow horn or birch bark. The sound tube has three to seven finger holes. The tuning is diatonic up to an octave . The schalejka is not overblown .
In southern Russia, double schaleika are also used, in which two sound tubes, connected like a double flute , open into a horn funnel. They are blown individually or together. The pipe leading to the melody has more finger holes than the accompanying one.
The designation žalejka is first documented in literature by AA Tuchov (1778-1812). Earlier forms of the instrument are to be assumed behind other names, such as the "little shepherd's horn". In addition to žalejka , žalomejka is used. Russian etymologists associate this with Old Church Slavonic žalnik , “grave”, and interpret the name of the instrument as an indication of its use in funeral ceremonies. More likely, however, žalomejka, žalejka derives from the French chalumeau . The appearance of this name in the course of the 18th century also fits in with this.
In the Tver region , the instruments are made entirely from a type of willow called brediny ( Russian бредины ). Therefore, also for the intended schaleika common name briolka ( брёлка ) originate. VV Andrejev also called Brjolka a shawm instrument with a double reed and keys, which he integrated into his folk ensemble around 1900. Other names of the schaleika are sopjel ( сопель ), pishchelka ( пищелка ), fletnja ( флетня ) and duda ( дуда ), which are otherwise called bagpipes in several Slavic languages.
Discography
- Sigrai, Vanya. Folk instrumental music and its vocal counterpart in the southern, western and central regions of Russia. (Recordings from 1968 and 1989 in Moscow, accompanying text: Vyacheslav Shchurov) PAN Records, 1991, tracks 1–6
