Usually made of porcelain, the ocarina is a flute with a unique shape. The size, shape and the number of holes can differ per model, so read on and discover the world of ocarinas.
The History of the Ocarina
The ocarina is a wind instrument with a long history. The instrument played an important role in the development of song and dance - both in China and Mesoamerica - and eventually made its way to Europe via the Aztecs. Even to this very day, the ocarina is incredibly popular.
Popular Thanks to The Legend of Zelda and The Hobbit
Thanks to the Nintendo 64 video game, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (later released for the Nintendo Switch as well), the ocarina is now inextricably linked with contemporary pop culture. A fan-favourite within the realms of folk and fantasy, the instrument can also be heard on the soundtrack of 'The Hobbit'.
Different Materials: From Plastic to Porcelain
Ocarinas can be made from various materials. Back in the day, this would be baked clay or a high-quality ceramic material. Nowadays, ocarinas are also often made of plastic, wood, glass, metal or bone. Ocarinas also come in different shapes and sizes: there's the Transverse ('Sweet Potato') version which usually features ten or twelve holes, but you can also pick up a smaller ocarina like a 4-to-6 hole English Pendant or an 8 or 9-hole Peruvian Pendant.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ocarinas
What does the ocarina sound like?
Since the sound of an ocarina lacks overtones, it's a little like a sinusoid waveform. Put more simply, the ocarina shapes a beautiful warm foundation sound.
How does an ocarina make sound?
Ocarinas are played with both hands but the pitch depends on air pressure. In terms of physics, the ocarina is essentially a Helmholtz resonator: an acoustic resonator with an air cavity that's 'in contact' with the air outside via a small opening. Blow air across the opening and you'll end up with sound!
What does 'ocarina' mean?
In Italian, ocarina means 'small goose'. Guiseppe Donati came up with the name after he built the first clay prototype back in 1853.
What's the best ocarina for me?
Beginners are best off with an Alto C ocarina. This model has a manageable size and weight, making it easy to hold, plus the distance between the holes is the most comfortable when compared to other models.
