OCARINA TYPES AND STYLES

The ocarina, with its rich history and unique sound, stands out as a fascinating musical instrument in the world of music. Originating from various cultures and evolving over centuries, the ocarina has diversified into numerous styles and types, each with its own characteristics and charm. This exploration into the different kinds of ocarinas reveals the instrument’s versatility and the creative ways in which musicians can express themselves.

Transverse Ocarinas: The Quintessential “Sweet Potato”

The transverse ocarina, often affectionately termed the “sweet potato” due to its rounded shape, is the archetype that most people envision when they think of ocarinas. Played horizontally with both hands, the technique involves progressively opening holes to ascend in pitch. The transverse ocarina primarily comes in 10-hole and 12-hole configurations, inventions credited to Giuseppe Donati of Italy. This type of ocarina can produce melodies spanning an octave plus a fourth to an octave plus a minor sixth, making it a versatile choice for a wide range of musical genres.

Pendant Ocarinas: Portable Melodies

Pendant ocarinas are the compact companions of the ocarina family, designed for portability and ease of use. They come in various forms, including:

• English Pendant: Utilizing the English fingering system devised by John Taylor, these small ocarinas can have 4–6 holes and achieve a range between an octave and an octave plus a major second. Their simplicity and portability make them popular among beginners and enthusiasts alike.
• Peruvian Pendant: With a history dating back to the Incan era, Peruvian pendants are not only musical instruments but also pieces of cultural heritage. They often feature animal designs and have 8–9 holes, used in festivals, rituals, and ceremonies.

Inline Ocarinas: A Distinctive Approach

Inline ocarinas offer a unique aesthetic and playing style, with their rectangular or oval shapes and the orientation that points the instrument away from the player. Despite their unusual appearance, most inline ocarinas share a similar or identical fingering system with their transverse counterparts, making them an interesting alternative for those looking for a different visual and ergonomic experience.

Multi-chambered Ocarinas: Expanding Musical Horizons

Multi-chambered ocarinas, including double and triple varieties, represent a significant innovation in ocarina design. By incorporating two or three ocarinas into a single body, each with its own mouthpiece and set of finger holes, these instruments can produce a broader range of notes or even multiple notes simultaneously. The most common style for multi-chambered ocarinas is transverse, with a typical double ocarina covering two octaves plus a minor third, and a triple ocarina reaching up to two octaves plus a minor seventh. These instruments challenge and reward players with the ability to perform more complex and richer sounding compositions.

Ocarinas with Keys and Slides: Technical Advancements

In the late 19th century, the development of ocarinas with keys and slides introduced new possibilities for the instrument. These mechanisms can expand the ocarina’s range, facilitate the playing of notes that are widely spaced, or simplify the production of notes outside the instrument’s native key. This evolution reflects the ongoing experimentation and innovation within the ocarina community, pushing the boundaries of what this humble instrument can achieve.

Ocarina Diversity

The ocarina’s diversity in form and function speaks to its universal appeal and adaptability. From the traditional transverse style to the innovative multi-chambered designs, and from the portable pendant ocarinas to those enhanced with keys and slides, there is an ocarina for every musician’s taste and level of expertise. As we delve into the world of ocarinas, we uncover not just an instrument, but a rich tapestry of history, culture, and musical expression waiting to be explored.