Whispers of Ancient Wind: The Enchanting World of the Nai

Music has many voices, but few carry the archaic, haunting resonance of the nai. Depending on where you travel in the world, the word “nai” (or nây / ney) points to two distinct, deeply revered musical traditions: the multi-tubed pan flute of Eastern Europe and the soulful, single-reed end-blown flute of the Middle East.