A Complete Introduction to the Sorna Instrument in Iran

Etymology of the Word Sorna

The words Sorna and Karana both mean "horn" and share the same root as the English word "horn." Originally, among the peoples who spoke the early Indo-European language, this instrument was named Sorna because it was made from the horn of an animal. Another piece of evidence supporting this claim is the name Zulqarnain, meaning "the one with two horns." The word qarn (which is derived into the Arabic karn) means "horn," as seen in the name Karana.

Although the Sorna of today is much more advanced than the early animal horn instruments, it is still considered a member of the family of wind or horn instruments.However, Dariush Safvat believes the word Sorna is a shortened form of sour nay, where sour means "celebration," and nay is the reed instrument (flute). He views this instrument as a strong, oboe-like reed instrument with a distinctive sound that was originally used in public celebrations, especially in rural areas.

The Sorna Instrument in Iran

This instrument is not only local but also ancient. The name sorna, sorna, and surnay frequently appear in the poems of Iranian poets. The Sorna has long been popular in regions such as Lorestan, Sistan and Baluchestan, and Khorasan, and it is still used today in celebrations and during the performance of local songs in these areas. In Lorestan, a small Sorna is commonly used, while in Bakhtiari regions, a larger Sorna is played for both joyful and sorrowful ceremonies, and the smaller sorna is typically used for mourning events. The local sorna is usually played along with the dhol drum.

Among famous sorna players in Iran, we can mention Ali Akbar Mahdipur Dehkordi, the performer of Nowruznameh (a musical piece for the Nowruz New Year celebration), as well as Reza Moridi Delfan and Shamirez Moradi, who play the small Sorna (short version).

In Iran, this instrument is also known by names such as zarna, zerna, or zorna. The Sorna is found among various ethnic groups such as the Baluch, Kurds, Gilanis, Turks, and in the provinces of Fars and Mazandaran. However, it is not universally called by the same name in all regions. For example, among the Baluch people, it is called shidi, in northern Khorasan among Kurds it is referred to as piq, and in Mazandaran, it is known as Sorna or dorna.

Parts of the Sorna Instrument

• Qamish (Reed): The reed is made from a type of soft reed called Aks, which is soaked in warm water and placed in the mouth. The Sorna is played by blowing air through a narrow channel in the center of the reed. The length of the reed, where it meets the player's lips, is approximately 1 to 2 centimeters.

• Lip Rest (Labe Ghir): This is a circular washer-like part, made of metal, which sits between the player's lips and the Sorna. Its diameter is around 4 centimeters or less, and its length is approximately 14 centimeters or less.

• Body of the Sorna: The body is a conical tube made of wood, typically boxwood, walnut, or occasionally mulberry. The boxwood version generally produces better sound. The end of the Sornabody is designed in a conical shape, similar to the design of horn instruments. The Mazandaran Sorna has 6 holes on the upper part and one hole on the lower part. Before playing, the instrument is moistened with warm water, which helps produce a better sound. The total length of the Sorna typically ranges from 30 to 40 centimeters, and in some cases, it can reach up to 60 centimeters.