Valamar Blog

Rozenice, mih, surle … for generations these native musical instruments offered the principle and only possibility for creative expression for numerous generations of Istrian boys. These hand made, unique items of priceless cultural, traditional, and above all else emotional value, are powerful symbols of identity of these parts. They enabled musical expression to be a vent, and a moment of rest for the Istrian peasant… whose lives were filled with hard work, worries and responsibility for the family from their earliest years, a life that was with the earth and for the earth. The sounds of the rozenica, mih and surle, are today associated with these things, and these ancient traditions have not died.

Once these sounds could be heard echoing in the Istrian meadows and hills of Ucka and Cicarija, and today we bring them to you a part of tradition and Istrian authenticity.

Rozenica

The rozenica (or sopile, sopele) is an ancient traditional instrument, and is similar to today’s oboe. It has a double reed, and takes the shape of a cone that is made out of a number of pieces of wood.

The rozenica has a penetrating sound and is always played in pairs (large and small). Often the Rozenica is accompanied by singing, and it can also be played in interesting duets with the surla or the mih.

Listen to the sounds of the Rozenica in the composition “Matinjada”, performed by Dinka and Josip Miletic. It is a recording that comes from Renata Pernic’s archives, a great fan, and collector of original Istrian music, who also wants to make it more popular.

Mih

The Istrian mih is comprised of goatskin, a pipe or a channel, a small barrel (kutla) and a mouthpiece. There are five small holes for notes on the left side of the mouthpiece, where between the third and the fourth holes on the upper part there is a space. Here, the hole is either closed or not there at all, and on the right side there are three holes for playing.

It is because of this layout of the holes, that the Istrian mih is specific and different from the others.

Listen to “Svirka na mihu” performed by Josip Jelcic.

Surle

The Istrian surle are two separate mouthpieces made out of wood, and are connected at the upper end by a small barrel (or “didak”, “kutao”), through which air is blown. At the same time, this also protects the reeds.

Tunes on the surle have two tones, and because of the loud noise they make, they are often played at dances.

Listen to how surle sound in “Pastirskoj svirci”. The producer is Bozo Zgomba.