Ashar Fife – Professional Classic – F

The pífano, pífaro, or pife is a small transverse flute that is very well known in Brazil through the pife bands of the Northeast. Indigenous Brazilians also have their own transverse flutes in the style of the pífano in other scales. Some researchers believe that pífanos arrived in Brazil during the colonization period. Others believe they are of Indigenous origin. The fact is that, in various parts of the world, native cultures have developed their own transverse flutes.

The Northeast has the greatest tradition and abundance of pífano bands, but the sound has spread throughout the country. This form of expression can be found in every region: in the Southeast (São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Minas Gerais), in the South (Santa Catarina), in the Central-West (Federal District), and in the North, among tribes of the Upper Xingu. Also known as zabumba, cabaçal, esquenta mulher, terno de pífanos, among other names, they are made up of intuitive musicians.

It is hard to believe that an instrument that appears so simple and is handmade is capable of producing such rich and beautiful music, bringing parties and processions to life, and even providing a livelihood for many musicians in various regions of Brazil.