Early use Mention of the tárogató in Hungarian writings dates back at least as long ago as the 15th century. It is not clear whether it was first brought into Europe by the Hungarians when they first emigrated from the east in the 9th century. It is certain, however, that instruments of this type, descended from the Middle Eastern
zurna, were introduced into Eastern Europe by the Turks in the Middle Ages, as evidenced by the term töröksip—"Turkish pipe"—which was used as a synonym for tárogató. Up to about the 18th century, the tárogató was a type of
shawm, with a
double reed,
conical bore, and no keys. Being a very loud and raucous instrument, the tárogató was used as a signaling instrument in battle (like the
bugle or the
bagpipe). However, depending on the type of reed used, it can also give off a very subtle, and yet, deep, mellow sound when played at a relaxed, steady pace. It has been suggested that the name
schundaphone would have been more accurate, but tárogató was used because of the nationalistic image that the original instrument had. This instrument was a symbol of Hungarian aristocracy, and the favorite woodwind instrument of Governor
Miklós Horthy. In 1928, the British music journal
Melody Maker reported that the Oxford-based clarinettist Frank Dyer was using "a taragossa, a novelty Hungarian instrument which is a cross between a saxophone and a Cor Anglais" with his Symphonic Dance Orchestra. No such instrument as a "taragossa" exists: the rest of the journal's description fits that of the tárogató.
Dumitru Fărcaș, who was born in
Maramureș, made the instrument known all over the world and was considered to be the most famous tárogató player. ==See also==