The ocarina is a wind instrument, primarily made of terracotta, originating from Italy. It is an aerophone, meaning its sound is generated by the vibration of air. Such instruments are found in many parts of the world from ancient times, with varying external appearances but the same basic operating principle. They are also known as arghilophones, as they were often crafted from clay.

The ocarina, with its typical globular shape, produces a captivating sound that is neither too high-pitched nor too deep, evoking dreamy and fantastical atmospheres. It is often used in fantasy-themed settings for video games, animated series, and soundtracks for TV shows and films. The renowned Maestro Ennio Morricone incorporated the ocarina in the scores of some films directed by Sergio Leone, and in a scene from the famous “1900,” Bertolucci shows a group of agricultural workers playing this unique instrument. Fans of the animated series “Captain Harlock” will also recall a co-protagonist deeply attached to her ocarina, frequently playing it in each episode.

In modern music, the ocarina has found notable success due to its original and unmistakable sound, appearing in pieces by artists ranging from Fabrizio De André in “Un Giudice” to Duran Duran, Bing Crosby, and even compositions by Janáček and Liget.

Let us now embark on a brief journey to explore the ocarina, its history, and its features.

History

The ocarina belongs to an ancient family of instruments, with origins dating back over 10,000 years. Aerophones with similar operating principles have been discovered in various parts of the world, albeit in different shapes, from China to South America, where they were used by the Maya and Inca civilizations.

The most widely used ocarina in the world, recognizable by its familiar shape, originated in Italy and was first crafted in the mid-1800s in Budrio, near Bologna, by artisan Giuseppe Donati. His brilliant idea was to elevate the ocarina from a mere toy to a true musical instrument by creating a range of ocarinas in various sizes, all tuned harmoniously. This innovation led to the formation of the first ocarina ensembles, which gained widespread popularity and helped spread the instrument across Europe through numerous tours. Today, the ocarina is found in various folk groups in Italy, Austria, Tyrol, and Bavaria and has spread worldwide, from Japan to the United States, Hungary, and Peru.

How the Ocarina is Made

The ocarina operates similarly to a flute, but unlike the flute, it has a rounded, oval, and closed shape rather than a cylindrical and open one. While traditionally made of terracotta, modern ocarinas are available in a wide range of materials, including porcelain, ceramics, wood, plastic, and even metal. The material used significantly influences the sound characteristics.

In addition to the classic ocarinas we all recognize, there are models with varying shapes, featuring longer or rounder designs. These differences are not merely aesthetic but pertain to the type of internal chamber the instrument employs. Ocarinas can have single, double, or even triple chambers, each tuned differently, allowing musicians to play a wider range of notes. The number of holes on the ocarina is crucial in determining the instrument’s range.

The simplest models, with four holes, typically cover a major sixth; the English variant, also with four holes, spans an entire octave. The traditional Budrio ocarina can have 10 or 12 holes, providing a range of an eleventh or thirteenth, respectively. The 12-hole model, called the “Alto C,” is the most versatile and popular, offering a balance between ease of use and range, covering notes from A4 to F6, including sharps and flats.

Linear or straight ocarinas resemble flutes and typically have 10 holes, offering a range similar to the traditional Budrio models but are easier to play. Double or triple ocarinas can reach ranges close to three octaves, enabling the performance of polyphonic melodies.

Ocarinas are available in various keys, with the most common being C major, D major, F major, and G major. There are also “bass” ocarinas, ideal for accompaniment, while smaller, higher-pitched ocarinas are better suited for playing melodies.

How the Ocarina Works

Unlike the flute, with which it shares many features, the ocarina has a resonating chamber that is globular and closed rather than cylindrical and open. Thus, the entire volume of air inside the chamber vibrates, resonates, and produces the characteristic harmonic-free sound of the ocarina.

The instrument’s pitch depends on the relationship between the number and size of the open holes and the ocarina’s volume. The more holes are open, the higher the note’s pitch, and vice versa.

When blowing into the mouthpiece, the airstream strikes the labium, a mechanical component that vibrates to produce sound. Some of the air enters the resonating chamber, increasing pressure inside. When this pressure equals the musician’s airflow, the air exits, as the closed resonating chamber cannot accommodate more air.

For a more detailed and scientific understanding of the principles governing instruments like the ocarina, it is worth exploring the Helmholtz resonance principle applied to resonators such as closed sound tubes.

How to Play the Ocarina

Playing the ocarina is generally similar to playing a recorder. Notes are selected by covering or leaving holes open, though the fingerings and hand positions differ.

The ocarina is held with the three-holed side facing the mouth and downward; two of these holes are operated with the thumbs, while the third, the resonance hole, is left untouched. The fingers, including the pinkies, are used on the upper side to cover the remaining holes, which vary in number depending on the model.

Once in position, players blow into the instrument, ensuring each hole is firmly covered and controlling the airflow. Higher notes require stronger breaths, while lower notes need softer ones. The main challenge in playing the ocarina is mastering breath control to achieve accurate intonation. It is easy to be flat on lower notes or sharp on higher ones.

The Ocarina: From Tradition to Modern Music

The ocarina is a fascinating instrument with a sweet and hypnotic sound. Its small size makes it highly portable, requires little maintenance, and – unless opting for finely crafted artisanal pieces – it is relatively affordable.
The ocarina is relatively simple to play and adds a touch of originality to any performance. It is especially versatile in intermediate versions tuned to middle C.
An instrument with ancient origins, refined in Italy into its modern and globally recognized form, the ocarina holds a prominent place in Italian tradition, popular, folk, and singer-songwriter music.