The first cool thing I want to talk about is Arabic instruments. We have talked about some already, but I want to talk about another one. One instrument is called the Arghul. The Arghul is a reeded instrument that dates back from the Ancient Egyptian times, and is still used today. It is similar to a clarinet and the other Arabic instrument the Mijwiz. These instruments are commonly used to accompany many forms of dancing. Some examples are Bellydancing and the Dabke. The Dabke is an Arabic folk dance that is commonly performed at weddings and other celebrations. Below I am linking videos of someone playing the Arghul and a performance of the Dabke. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvUr_pTtR6I
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9JBFeHS49A
A second cool thing is the Indian instrument Sitar. It is a plucked instrument that comes from 16th or 17th century India. They have a very long neck and a gourd shaped body. It became more known in countries other than India in the 1950's or 1960's. Many artists started to feature this instrument in their music, including the Beatles, the Doors, the Rolling Stones, etc. It has a beautiful, yet harsh sound. It is also played sitting down. Below, I am linking a video of someone playing the Sitar that I really enjoyed. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tTbY_EeC9Wg
A last cool thing is Indian fashion. 3 popular clothing items are the Sari, Ghagra Choli, and Dhoti. The sari is a drape like item that wraps around the woman's shoulder and waist. The Sari comes all the way from the BCE times. The Sari is commonly worn with A Choli, which is a 3 part outfit that also dates back to the BCE times. A Ghagra Choli is an outfit that includes a long skirt. It evolved from the 3 piece Choli. A Dhoti is a men's clothing item that is a rectangular piece of unstitched cloth. It is wrapped around the waist and legs, and is tied at the waist. A lot of Indian clothing has bright colors, and it is so nice.
The sitar would have to be one of my favorite Indian instruments solely for the fact of the complexity of the instrument. To be able to move frets makes the instrument seem like a transformer with a million different shapes because it can change the sound so easily.
ReplyDeleteThe performance of the Dabke was fun to watch, I wish I could move like that. I also think Indian fashion is super interesting and very appealing. Thank you for diving deeper into that.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed watching the video about the dabke, it is such a cool instrument! Also, the way I was introduced to the sitar was through the Beatles, but to hear what it sounds like when it is played by people who have mastered the instrument really shows off how incredible of an instrument it is.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoy listening to the sitar, so thanks for adding that video! It seems so complicated but those who are good at playing the instrument make it look so easy. It's fun to watch.
ReplyDeleteThe video that you posted are amazing. Their clothing are very unique
ReplyDeleteI had never consciously thought about what a long history traditional Indian clothing carries with it. It must feel so empowering and comforting to wear something that your ancestors have worn versions of for thousands of years.
ReplyDeleteThe first two videos remind me a lot of irish/scottish music and dance and I find it very cool that theyre so different but have some similarities. The sitar was very soothing to listen to and i love the sound of it
ReplyDeleteI always appreciate up-close videos of sitar players--the movements required to play the instrument are just so complex, especially knowing that they can move the frets for each raga, and so their fingers never really go the same place twice.
ReplyDeleteI do wish you'd have embedded the videos...