|
Robab
The Afghans consider
the robab as their national instrument. Carved from a single piece of mulberry wood, the robab is short-necked, has four
frets, and a goatskin sound board. The three main strings, which can be made of animal viscera or nylon, are tuned in
fourth. Their sonority is amplified by about fifteen sympathetic metallic strings, which are tuned depending on the scale
used.
Tabla-s
Although the tablas more particularly belong to Indian musical
traditions, they are widespread in Afghanistan as well. On one hand they are constituted of a wooden high drum called
tabla or dayan and on the other they have a low kettle-drum called bayan. Both are covered with a goatskin which
is tightened by a leather strap system. Although dayan and bayan are independent, they are inseparable when it comes
to play.
Harmonium
The harmonium used in Afghanistan, as well as in India or Pakistan, is a small-sized
model which is played directly on the floor. The pomp is activated by only one hand while the other one moves on the keyboard.
The harmonium is generally played by the singer himself.
Tula
The tula is nothing else but a flute. It can be a
recorder as well as a German flute and has generally six or seven holes. The tula is often made of bamboo and is perfectly
adapted to play popular and folk music.
Saxophone
The saxophone was invented close to 1850 by the Belgian
manufacturer, Adolphe Sax. Its use in afghan music can be at first surprising, but is nothing extraordinary when we know to
what extent it has been widespread all over the world. Concerning Afghan music, the saxophone can be more particularly found
in popular styles which are inspired by Western variety music.
Doholak
The doholak looks like the dohol of the Pashtoon tribes but
is distinguished by its relatively smaller size. It has two skins that are tightened on both sides of the instrument by a
rope system. These two skins can produce two notes of different level due to their different diameters. The doholak is less
powerful than the dohol; on the other hand, the doholak offers much more ease in handling.
Daira
The daira is the percussion instrument in its most simple
expression. It is a frame drum that's skin is often decorated with very colored patterns. Its rudimentary technique principally
corresponds to the northern musical aesthetics of Afghanistan. We can also find the daira in Tajikistan or in Iran where it
is called "daf".
Tempura
The tempura is an instrument used exclusively for accompaniment. It has four metallic
strings which are tuned after the main notes of the scale. Although unfretted, its sonority makes it sound similar to the
Indian sitar.
|
