Zhaleika

or brelka, a Russian reed wind instrument (also widespread among Byelorussians). The zhaleika is a wooden pipe with three to seven playing holes; one end has a bell of cow’s horn or birch bark, and the other has a single reed. Length, 140–200 mm. The sound is strong and rather shrill. The zhaleika is used for solo performance of folk songs and dance music and in ensembles with other zhaleikas or different instruments.