Ocarina

About the Sound and Character

The sound of the ocarina is pure, soft, rounded, reminiscent of birdsong or a miniature flute. Due to its closed hollow body, it possesses a unique timbre free of excessive high harmonics.

Structure and Features

It is an enclosed streamlined ceramic, clay, or plastic vessel featuring a mouthpiece and several fingerholes. Pitch depends on the volume of air input and the number of open holes.

Genres

• Folk and pastoral music
• Celtic and ethnic music
• Popular culture (e.g., the iconic video game The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time)