Rozhok

(1) The generic name for various wind instruments, such as the English horn or the alto oboe.

(2) A Russian folk wind instrument. The rozhok is a type of shepherd’s horn with finger holes on the side. It is usually used to play melodies and folk tunes. The instrument, which is 400–500 mm long, has a diatonic range of a fifth or sixth. In the 18th century, there were skilled rozhok-players in Tver’ and Vladimir provinces. Later, ensembles were formed. Rozhki are sometimes also used in large orchestras of Russian folk instruments.