Cimpoi

The cimpoi (Romanian: cimpoi, pronounced [t͡ʃimˈpoj]; also șimpoi, cimponi, șimponi, ciumpoi, cempoi, carabă, cărabă, gaidă, cimpoaie, cărăbi ) is a Romanian folk woodwind musical instrument and a regional variety of the bagpipe. It is an aerophone consisting of an air reservoir (bag) and several pipes: a blowpipe, a drone, and a melody pipe (chanter).

The cimpoi is considered an instrument of local origin, traditionally associated with the territories of present-day Romania and the Republic of Moldova. The first written references to the instrument date from the 16th century. In the past, it was widespread throughout most regions and, alongside the fluier, served as one of the principal instruments of shepherds and an important element of rural festivities. By the early 21st century, the tradition of playing the cimpoi has survived mainly in certain regions (Oltenia, Dobruja, Hunedoara, and Moldavia), although the instrument continues to be used in folk ensembles.

From an organological perspective, the Romanian cimpoi belongs to the Eastern European group of bagpipes with a cylindrical bore and single reeds. The instrument displays considerable typological diversity. Researchers distinguish six main types, differing primarily in the construction of the chanter, which may be single or double, as well as in the number and arrangement of finger holes. Instruments with a double chanter make it possible to produce not only a melody and drone but also a simple harmonic interval (usually a fifth), which researchers consider one of the oldest forms of Romanian polyphony.

In traditional culture, the cimpoi occupies a dual symbolic position. On the one hand, it is regarded as a pastoral instrument closely associated with shepherd life; on the other, it is depicted in folklore and legends as possessing demonic or supernatural attributes and is sometimes associated with evil spirits. Certain forms of performance are specific to the instrument, such as the Dance of the puppets, in which the musician plays the bagpipe while simultaneously manipulating marionettes. The influence of the cimpoi can also be observed in other genres of Romanian folk music, where instruments such as the violin or fluier imitate its characteristic drone and melodic patterns.