The art of pithkiavli

Shepherd’s flute-making demonstration by Renos Ktoros

«All around you there is the earth, the sky, trees and birds. You watch at your animals grazing. And you are relaxed. You grab your flute and play one, two, three, four pieces. And you don’t have any thoughts. No thoughts. You play your flute and you relax completely. Whatever God wishes and forget about tomorrow. Also in sadness, not just in happiness. You have a problem and when you start playing you bring out all your sadness and the flute plays sorrowfully too...»

Renos Ktoros demonstrates the art of making pithkiavli-flutes – the typical Cypriot folk wind instrument - and plays some tunes and improvisations on the instrument that keeps him company during work and leisure.