The unique playing style of the Armenian Duduk relies on the use of techniques inherited and transmitted by the greatest masters, which are difficult to imitate without in-depth knowledge of the instrument.
In architecture, an ornament is defined as a decorative part that serves to embellish the elements of a building or interior furniture. In calligraphy, an ornament corresponds to a drawing or decorative motifs that surround an alphabetic letter to enhance and adorn it. Similarly, in music, an ornament consists of an embellishment of a musical note. An ornament can be the playing of a very small note or an effect, such as a vibrato. In a partition, it is placed before and after the main note and is never counted in the measure. Each region uses its own ornaments on its traditional instruments. In the case of the Duduk, several ornamentations are possible and achievable through fingering and/or breath control. However, these ornaments are very difficult to explain in writing, which is why individual lessons with a teacher is essential to understand and execute the ornaments correctly.
Ornaments are also musical motifs specific to a culture. In the region, there is a real culture of ornamentation, and its misuse is frowned upon and considered a genetic alteration of traditional music.
On the Duduk, ornaments are produced by specific finger movements, especially during very rapid note repetitions, as well as by breathing, during more marked air ejections by the mouth, or by the use of vibrato. These ornaments are very common and when played at certain moments of the piece, adds a unique and inimitable aspect to the music produced by the musician.
Learning and mastering ornaments require great rigor and a good knowledge of traditional music. The use of ornaments by musicians allows for a quick assessment of their level by observing the complexity and originality of the ornaments they use.
