http://vimeo.com/2054067

Smule has introduced a new app, Ocarina, that turns your iPhone into a virtual Ocarina. 

I’ve been skeptical about a lot of the iPhone virtual instruments, because many of them don’t offer much in the way of expressive capabilities. 

Ocarina challenges that skepticism by offering an application that responds to your breath, so you can control the pitch via the multi-touch pad while you control the dynamics with your breath. 

It’s priced at the chump change level, $.99. That’s pretty impressive for software that actually turns your phone into an expressive instrument. 

Now, if they’d just do an expressive synth!

Here’s a video of an iPhone Ocarino band doing Stairway to Heaven:

http://vimeo.com/2141319

And, of course, there’s Zeldarian mode:

http://vimeo.com/2131612

Description:

Ocarina is the first true musical instrument created for the iPhone. Both experts and beginners will be amazed by this innovative player. Ocarina is sensitive to your breath, touch and movements, making it even more versatile than the original. Unlike other musical applications, there are no pre-compiled riffs so musicians will find unlimited opportunities for self-expression. Advanced options allow you to choose between diatonic, minor and harmonic scales. Or channel your favorite video game adventurer with Smule’s Zeldarian mode.

Also, like most Smule products, Ocarina is a social application. Tap on the globe icon and you will see and hear other Ocarina players throughout the world. The globe view will highlight the source of the music. Rate your favorite performances so that others may benefit from your judgment. Name your Ocarina if you want listeners around the world to identify your performances. With this robust application beautiful music is created, appreciated and shared.

There’s a lot more great information on Ocarina at the Smule site.