Moldavian Kaval (in A)

fingering (and breath pressure) chart


The Moldavian kaval is an alto-range whistle mainly played on the higher harmonics, usually supported by a low hum from the player which induces a kazoo-like timbre, increases the volume and makes the higher notes sound more readily. The commonest size produces the A below middle C as its lowest note. Its natural scale is A minor with a sharpened fourth.

Higher harmonics correspond to increasing breath pressure. I have indicated which harmonic is in use like this:

... / 0 fundamental
... / 1 first harmonic (octave)
... / 2 second harmonic (octave and a fifth)
... / 3 third harmonic (double octave)

Notes are named using ABC conventions. Notes marked !! are rarely used.

e'  1-- -- / 3
d#' 12- -- / 3
c'  123 -- / 3
b   123 4- / 3
a   123 45 / 3

b   1-- -- / 2
a#  12- -- / 2 !!
g   123 -- / 2
f#  123 4- / 2
e   123 45 / 2

f   --- -- / 1 !!
e   1-- -- / 1
d#  12- -- / 1
c   123 -- / 1
B   123 4- / 1
A   123 45 / 1

F   --- -- / 0 !!
E   1-- -- / 0
D#  12- -- / 0
C   123 -- / 0
B,  123 4- / 0
A,  123 45 / 0

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