Bi doi


Bi doi is a double-reed instrument belonging to the aerophone family. Bi doi is made by binding together two node-less bamboo pipes of 27.5 cm in length, 0.5 cm in diameter. Each pipe has 7 holes on one side and 1 hole on the other side. Two pipes always produce unison when blown.

Bi doi solo represents the voice of a man calling out to his lover.

Bi doi is used primarily in courtship context. It is also used either as a solo instrument or part of an ensemble. The Bi doi is a musical instrument for men who play them on the way to the field or their girlfriend's house.

The Bi doi has been closely connected with the Muong culture for a long time.

The Bi doi is performed only in Da Bac, Hoa Binh province.




Courtesy
Le Huy, Minh Hien
1994 Nhac cu truyen thong Viet Nam [Traditional Instruments of Viet Nam].
Ho Chi Minh: The Gioi Publisher.