European Musical Instruments

A handpan

Handpan

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An ocarina

Ocarina

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What are the instruments of Europe?

Two women in traditional russian dress playing the balalaika

Beyond classic European musical instruments like the piano, violin, guitar, trumpet, and saxophone, Europe is also home to lesser-known instruments that are just as fascinating.

For example, the handpan is a Swiss instrument created in 2000. Shaped like a flying saucer, it produces soft, soothing, deeply relaxing tones.

It’s also worth mentioning the ocarina. Its name comes from the Italian for “goose head,” inspired by its shape, and it’s a type of ceramic flute. The ocarina became especially famous thanks to Nintendo’s The Legend of Zelda video game series.

Strictly speaking, Eastern Europe includes Belarus, Russia, and Ukraine.

The best-known musical instruments of Eastern Europe, by this strict definition, are the balalaika, bandura, bayan, domra, gusli, jew’s harp, kobza, and theremin.

The balalaika is a string world-music instrument from the lute family. It’s known for its triangular soundbox and usually has 3 strings. Sizes can vary widely, reaching up to about 6.5 ft (2 m).

Created in 1920 by Russian inventor Lev Sergeyevich Termen, the theremin is the only instrument that produces notes without being touched by the musician. It has two antennas that sense the position of the player’s hands nearby and generate sound based on that movement.