What is piffero?

Piffero is a type of Italian folk oboe, which is played mainly in the regions of Tuscany, Piedmont, and Liguria. It is similar in appearance to the oboe but has a larger bore and a trumpet-like bell at the end. The piffero is played by blowing air through a double reed, which are made of a thin strip of cane or plastic tightly bound together.

Piffero is usually played in ensembles, known as "pifferata," which includes several musicians playing various instruments such as bagpipes, drums, and trumpets. The music produced by the pifferata is often used in festivals, religious processions, and cultural celebrations in Italy.

The repertoire of piffero music ranges from traditional Italian folk songs to regional dances such as tarantellas and saltarellos. Contemporary composers have also used the piffero in their compositions to create new forms of music that incorporate traditional Italian sounds and rhythms.

In recent years, the piffero has gained popularity among musicians and enthusiasts worldwide, and efforts have been made to preserve and promote this unique Italian instrument and its music.