1. Launeddas are musical instruments originating in
Sardinia. They are constructed using different
types of pipes and are played with the technique
of circular breathing.
2. There are similiar instruments in North Afric and in
the Middle East, where the launeddas have as
ancestors Egyptian and Sumerian clarinets. The
launeddas were used in prehistorictimes, but
continued to be used even today.
3. The player (or more than
one) stands at the center
of a circle of dancers (the
Ballu Tundu) who, holding
hands, slowly revolve
around him, going back and
forth following the rhythm
of music.
The launeddas are
played with circular
breathing, particular
technique which
consists in the
accumulation, during
the expiration
phase, of a reserve
of air inside the
cheeks which is
gradually expelled
when the player
breathes through
the nose.
4. The instrument is formed by three barrels of different
syizes and thichness:
-The “basciu” or “tumbu” is the longer barrel and produces a
single note. It’s free of holes;
-The second barrel has the function to produce the notes of
accompaniment forming the croba;
- The third barrel, called mancosedda, produces the melody’s
notes
5. WHEN YOU CAN PLAY LAUNEDDAS
Launeddas can be heard in many festivities in many towns
in southern Sardinia. A special occasion is the feast of
Saint Efisio in Cagliari (1st May) in which the sound of
dozens of launeddas accompanies the passage of the saint
along its procession towards the sea. On several occasions
the launeddas accompany the Mass.
MADE BY: Francesca Montini
Samuele Caredda
Andrea Digilio
