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| Classification | single-reed instrument |
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Diplica or diplice is a single-reed instrument from the Balkans, which has been playing in different forms through many parts of Croatia, but now survives mainly in the Baranya region.
Diplicas are double-clarinets. The widespread practice of playing wind instruments in pairs led to the development of the double, or even triple or quadruple, clarinets.[1] Most were double clarinets, with two tubes of reed firmly tied or glued together in a parallel position where one of the tubes functions as a drone. Instruments of this kind can be traced back to approximately 2700 BCE in Egypt, where they were originally called ‘memet’.[2] During the Old Kingdom in Egypt (2778-2723 BCE), memets were depicted on the reliefs of seven tombs at Saqqarra, six tombs at Giza, and the pyramids of Queen Khentkaus.[3] Double-clarinets are particularly important in Arab countries, but have spread throughout the Mediterranean region, India, Sardinia, and South America.[1]
The diplica has a traditional mouth horn that holds an idioglot reed and two pipes carved from one piece of wood.[1] The pipe has a few (usually five) finger holes drilled into it. It is usually in the key of E, although it can be made in C, D, or F.
Sources
- "Diplica" — Croatian Traditional Instruments by Stjepan Večković