The Harmonium The harmonium is a Western instrument adapted for Indian music, It is mainly used in the accompaniement of Khyal, Thumri and Qawwali.
This harmonium has 2 drones (top pulls) and 2 stops (lower pulls) to direct the air over the upper or lower reeds. Fixed keyboard, integral bellows, and dozens of sound combinations. Finish color and decoration style may vary from photo. The Harmoniums are not meant to be played in concert like a mini organ. This instrument was introduced to India by the British. It has been embraced and is now a truly Indian instrument used as accompaniment in devotional songs. The reeds in the harmonium are tuned to sound well together, not necessarily with other instruments. As such they are not in concert pitch and are not meat to be. As with many Indian instruments the key for the music is selected to best suite the vocals, or to set a mood. Traditionally, Harmoniums are usually higher pitched if compared to the Western Scale. Harmonium tuning does not reflect the Western Scale and is not meant to.
No comments:
Post a Comment