Alboka (pibgorn)

The alboka is a musical instrument of the clarinet family. The word is of Arabic origin. It consists of a semi-circular wooden yoke or handle, bearing two cane pipes with holes in them (three in the right-hand pipe and two on the left-hand (melody) pipe). The pipes are connected to a cow’s horn at one end and a wooden mouthpiece at the other. The joins are generally sealed with beeswax to prevent leakage of air. Despite its simple appearance, the instrument requires great technical skill and training, as the performer needs to be able to breathe and blow out at the same time.

Typical of Gipuzkoa and Bizkaia, its use gradually diminished during the twentieth century until it was largely confined to the Arratia valley. However, in recent decades it has been recovered. It is generally accompanied by a tambourine, whose player sings, usually in a loud high-pitched voice which can be heard over the sound of the alboka. Traditionally, it is used to play jotas, arin-arins or porrusaldas and two-steps.

This example is from the Provincial Government of Gipuzkoa’s I. Atxukarro collection.

Bibliography:

Beltran, Juan Mari. Soinutresnak euskal herri musikan. [Hernani] : Orain, 1996. 81-86.

Inventory number: GFA-002154-001