The treujenn-gaol (Breton: ''cabbage stalk'') is the Breton term for the clarinet as used in

Breton music Since the early 1970s, Brittany has experienced a tremendous revival of its folk music. Along with flourishing traditional forms such as the bombard- biniou pair and fest-noz ensembles incorporating other additional instruments, it has also branched ...

. The term 'treujenn gaol' was originally a pejorative term invented by bombard players who found the newer instrument encroaching on their livelihood. The clarinet arrived in Brittany in the 18th century. The most traditional Breton clarinet is an older type of instrument with 13 or even fewer keys, in contrast to the modern 'Boehm' instrument commonly used in contemporary music in France. Classical musicians in the 19th century discarded older instruments in favor of newer designs from makers such as Boehm, Albert, etc. replacing the formerly ubiquitous 13-key clarinet in the 19th century. These discarded instruments eventually found their way into the hands of folk musicians and the 'treujenn gaol' was born. After a decline in use in traditional music in the early 20th century, the instrument was revived in the 1970s for use in pairs of instruments (much like the

bombard __NOTOC__ Bombard may refer to the act of carrying out a bombardment. It may also refer to: Individuals *Alain Bombard (1924–2005), French biologist, physician and politician; known for crossing the Atlantic on a small boat with no water or food ...

and biniou) and in the music of the

bagad A bagad (, ) is a Breton band, composed of bagpipes ( br, binioù, french: cornemuse), bombards and drums (including snare, tenor and bass drums). The pipe band tradition in Brittany was inspired by the Scottish example and has developed since ...

. In Breton music, two clarinetists typically play together, or the clarinet plays with an accordion, though they also play in ensembles with other instruments. The clarinet is a common part of Breton jazz bands, along with saxophones and drums, playing both jazz and traditional songs.

Players

The best-known Breton clarinetists are probably Christian Duro and

Erik Marchand Érik Marchand (born 1955) is a Breton traditional singer and player of the treujenn-gaol (Breton clarinet). Although born in Paris, his family was of Breton origin, hailing from Quelneuc, Brittany. Influenced by the music of Manuel Kerjean, ...

, a former member of both Quintet Clarinettes and

Gwerz Gwerz (, "ballad", "lament", plural ''gwerzioù'') is a type of folk song of Brittany. In Breton music, the ''gwerz'' tells a story which can be epic, historical, or mythological. The stories are usually of a tragic nature. The gwerz is characte ...

. The bands Termajik, Kentan, Darhaou, Tonnerre de Brest, L'Echo, Cabestan and Strobinell also use clarinets. {{DEFAULTSORT:Treujenn-Gaol Clarinets Breton musical instruments Breton words and phrases