Music Modules 4-6

MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS OF PAKISTAN

INTRODUCTION

  • Music of Pakistan is influenced by a variety of elements from:

    • South Asia

    • Central Asia

    • Middle Eastern music

    • Western popular music

  • These influences contribute to a unique Pakistani sound.

TERMS TO REMEMBER!

  • Punjab: A region in South Asia divided into West Punjab (Pakistan) and East Punjab (India).

  • Punjabi: Traditional music originating from the Punjab region, emphasizing traditional instruments.

  • Bhangra: A popular Punjabi dance form based on the dhol drum rhythm.

MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS OF PAKISTAN

TABLA

  • A traditional percussion instrument made of two drums:

    • Daya (right drum)

    • Baya (left drum)

  • Materials: Primarily made of shishum wood.

  • Important in various music types: Classical, folk, popular.

  • Characteristics:

    • Daya is smaller, played with the right hand, producing a higher pitch.

    • Baya is larger, producing a lower pitch.

DHOLAK

  • A two-headed hand-drum used in folk music.

  • Tonal Differences:

    • Smaller head (often goat skin) produces higher notes.

    • Larger head (often buffalo skin) produces lower notes.

  • Tuning: Achieved through cotton rope lacing or screw-turnbuckle tensioning.

  • Often made from cheaper woods like mango wood.

HARMONIUM

  • A hand-operated wind instrument of Western origin, popularized in the 19th century.

  • Mainly used in Qawwali and Sufi music.

  • Enhancements: Made from materials like teak and mahogany.

  • Original operation by foot pedals, now commonly with hand pumps.

RUBAB

  • A stringed instrument originating from Central and West Asia, particularly Afghanistan.

  • Structure:

    • Wooden body with a membrane-covered sound chamber.

    • Features melody strings, drone strings, and sympathetic strings.

  • Traditionally made from materials like mulberry wood, goat skin, and gut or nylon strings.

CLASSIFICATIONS OF MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS

  1. Idiophones: Instruments that produce sound from the material itself.

  2. Membranophones: Instruments that produce sound through vibrating membranes.

  3. Chordophones: String instruments that create sound through the vibration of strings.

  4. Aerophones: Instruments producing sound by vibrating air.

SIGNIFICANT INSTRUMENTS IN RELIGIOUS CONTEXT

  • Shofar: A ritual instrument made from a ram's horn, used during Jewish occasions.

  • Three sounds of the Shofar:

    • Tekiah: A long note representing motivation.

    • Teruah: Three short notes, providing comfort.

    • Shevarim: A medium note guiding personal aspirations.

ADDITIONAL INSTRUMENTS

  • Psalterion: An ancient instrument, varying in forms, originally a wooden board with strings.

  • Jewish Lyre (Kinnor): National instrument of Jewish people, typically with 3 to 12 gut strings, used in vocal and solo performances.

  • Goblet Drum: Hand drum with a goblet shape, common in Middle Eastern music.

  • Toft Bendir: A hand frame drum known as Duff in Arabic, played vertically.

VOCAL MUSIC OF ISRAEL

  • Israeli music involves a blend of Jewish and non-Jewish traditions, emphasizing modal elements with complex melodies and rhythms.

  • Influences stem from various heritage backgrounds due to immigration.

DISTINCTIVE VOCAL STYLES

  • Guttural and Throaty Enunciation: Characterized by a deep, resonant tone, common in Middle Eastern traditions.

  • Melismatic Singing: Multiple notes on a single syllable, adding flow to melodies.

  • Modal Scales: Utilize traditional Middle Eastern modes (maqamat), diverging from Western scales.

DEVOTIONAL MUSIC

  • Predominantly vocal, often features no instrumentation.

  • Key during religious events like the Sabbath and High Holidays.

  • The Hazzan or cantor leads congregational worship, requiring significant training.

  • Shofar: Integral to holidays, announcing calls to prayer and reflection.

SECULAR MUSIC

  • Integrates instruments and is associated with life events (weddings, bar mitzvahs).

  • Celebrates themes outside of religion, showcasing national identity and cultural pride.

  • Example: "Zum Gali Gali" - A Hebrew song celebrating early Jewish pioneers; played at an adagio tempo with rhythmic structure.