Volume 3 is our first set of instruments
used in South India, which open the door to the intricacies of the
very different Carnatic tradition. Click on the name to hear a small
clip created with our software tools.
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Photo
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Name
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Description
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Category
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Nr of Patches
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The Mridangam derives its name from the Sanskrit "Mrid-Ang"
("clay body"). Now made of wood, it is one of the
main percussion instruments used in carnatic music.
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The Mridangam variety shown above is used mainly for instrumental
music. We have also included one type called "Kappi Mridangam",
which is used for vocal.
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The Ghatam is a round shaped earthen pot, very much used
in classical performances. It allows both very sharp strokes
and very low modulations through its mouth.
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The Kanjeera is a small round drum covered with goat skin
and circled with bells on its wooden body. It is also very
much used in classical performances.
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The Morsing is typical of Carnatic music. It is used here
as a very interesting rhythmic instrument. It is common for
Morsing to be incorporated in classical items..
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The Veena is the traditional instrument of Shri Saraswati
(Goddess of Arts). It has 4 main strings, a few others to
mark the rhythm and sympathetics that vibrate along.
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It is believed that the Nadaswaram evolved from the snake
charmer's 'Pungi'. It consists of a wooden mouthpiece into
which air is blown.
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The Tavil has a round body with two skins wrapped around
two large hemp hoops on both sides. It is played with a stick
and metal thimbles over the fingers.
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The Tamte, also called "Tammatai" is a South Indian
version of the North Indian Duff. It is a flat circular drum
with a skin pulled over, which is played with a stick.
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The Udukke is a sensitive percussion instrument. Made of
wood a quarter metre long, the drumheads are held in position
by interlacing cotton threads that can be pulled.
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The Dollu is a large barrel drum from Karnataka state, which
is the main rhythmic instrument of the Dollu Kunitha folk
dance from that same region.
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The Chende is a hollow cylindrical instrument made from softwood,
the ends of which are covered with cowhide. It is the chief
accompaniment in Kathakali dance.
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The Ghat Singhari is a peculiar folk instrument with the
pot's face covered by a skin parchment, producing comical
effect.
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The Konnakol is the art of reciting the stroke names of rhythmic
sequences, that can be very intricate. It is the Carnatic
equivalent to Hindusthani Bols.
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The Manjeera or Manjira, also known as Tala, are a small
pair of cymbals that are played with the hands to accompany
folk or devotional music.
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The Tanpura is a drone stringed instrument, similar in sound
to a Sitar being played without fretting any notes. This drone
accompanies most classical concerts.
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