The Flishorn (lit. "reed horn"; also known as Tungehorn) is a variation of the Bukkehorn where a wooden reed is responsible for sound production. Historically, this variant has been most widespread (and at times dominant) in Trøndelag and the eastern parts of Innlandet, and it is recognised as the oldest Norwegian shepherd’s clarinet. The Flishorn typically features more finger holes than its lip-vibrated counterpart, ranging from 5 to 8 holes.
The exact age of the Flishorn as an instrument is uncertain, but there are strong indications that Flishorn existed in Norway before the European clarinet arrived. Several Flishorn have been dated to a period prior to the clarinet's introduction in Norway, and one example, according to professor Bjørn Aksdal, is even dated to a time close to when the clarinet was first invented in Germany.
Atle Lien Jenssen (1956–2011) is a key custodian when it comes to the Flishorn. In 2010, he submitted his master’s thesis in folk art, titled "Tungehornet i Norge: Historie, utbredelse, repertoar, bruk og praktisk instrumentmaking (The Tungehorn in Norway: History, Distribution, Repertoire, Use, and Practical Instrument Making)." at the University of South-Eastern Norway (USN). The thesis is based on Atle's local tradition in Hedmark and describes the instrument's distribution in Norway and the Nordic countries. In his work, he conducted a significant collection of empirical material. The thesis explores the possible origins of the instrument, its relationship to similar reed instruments, repertoire, craftsmanship, and areas of use.
Not least, he also created an invaluable DVD with Magnar Storbækken, documenting the entire crafting process — from fresh horn to finished instrument.
Further reading:
2023 - Bjørn Aksdal - Bukkehornet – en gjennomgang og analyse av trompethorn og tungehorn
2010 - Atle Lien Jenssen - Tungehornet i Norge: Historie, utbredelse, repertoar, bruk og praktisk instrumentmaking (The Tungehorn in Norway: History, Distribution, Repertoire, Use, and Practical Instrument Making).
1994 - Atle Lien Jenssen - Bukkehorntradisjon på Hedmarken
