One of the oldest musical instruments that has gone through centuries and has not changed its appearance is the harp. We suggest you get to know better this self-sounding reed instrument. Different peoples gave him all kinds of names. In Altai it was called a kamuz, in Yakutia - a hosus, in Bashkiria - a kubyz, in Germany - a malommel. Ukrainians and Belarusians called him just a drum, the Japanese called Mikkuri, the Philippines called Cubing, the Indians called morchan. The musical instrument varang is considered folk in many countries, only it has differences in material, form and manufacturing technology. Each individual instrument has its own unique characteristics.
Vargan - a musical instrument of the northern peoples
The name of the oldest reed instrument comes from the Old Slavonic word "wargs", which means "mouth." The name itself speaks of the principle of sound extraction. The oral cavity serves as a natural sound resonator. The tone and timbre of this small instrument helps to change the position of the tongue.
Below you can watch a photo of a musical instrument of a vargan (khomus). He appeared in ancient times on different continents. There is an opinion that the usual hunting bow served as the idea for its creation. How did it work? One end of the bow was placed on the ground, and the other rested with teeth. Then they pulled the bowstring to extract the sound.
This instrument became especially popular among the peoples of the north: Yakuts, Tuvans, Chukchi. Eskimos, Buryats, Altai, Bashkirs. A little less vargan was distributed in the Volga region.
Today, the main center where khomuses are made and used is Yakutia. For local residents, it’s not just a musical instrument - a harp, but a means of expressing emotions, moods and feelings with sounds. Some manage to pronounce words using a "speaking" performance during a game on a harp. Nowadays, interest in Russian pagan culture is growing, so new masters appear creating authentic instruments.
Two types of barrows
To give you more insight into a musical instrument, a harp, get acquainted with its main two types:
- The barrow is lamellar . This is a narrow, thin wooden, bamboo, bone or metal plate and tongue. It is located in the middle of this plate.
- Vargan arc (arched). It is made of a metal rod to which a steel tongue is attached, having a hook at the end.
The most famous types of tools
Vargan is considered a non-standard instrument, each has its own sound. To play it, not only the usual seven notes are used, but also various overtones, sounds, and depths. The most famous types of this tool:
- Potkin’s Altai harbor has a fairly high sound, this instrument is very small and made of yellow metal;
- the bass and powerful sound of the Khakass Varganov valgutov, they are dark (blued);
- The voiced sounds are characterized by Russian Nureyev's harp, they are made of stainless steel;
- Vietnamese instruments are distinguished by a thin ringing sound.
What materials are barbs made of?
For the production of unusual tools use metal, wood, bone or other exotic materials. Material and manufacturing technology affect the sound of a small "pipe", its reliability and durability. The most common is metal. It requires a complex process to process it. A tongue attached to the base divides the barrow in half. With it, the magic of sound is created.
How can you describe the sound of this instrument? It is soothing, velvet, pleasant to the ear, attuning to reflection. Each performer gives the instrument its own timbre, range and tone. Often the sounds and sounds of a harp are combined with throat singing.
A bit about the history of the instrument
The history of the harbor goes back centuries. The first came the lamellar instrument. It was made from improvised materials. Someone preferred a tree, someone - a bone. Gradually, metal products began to appear. To enhance the sound, a metal frame - an arc - was added to the instrument. From this came the arched harp.
The instrument was played mainly by Russian women. Up to the 30s of the last century, rich traditions of playing the Vargan were preserved. During the reign of Stalin, they were canceled, considering a harmful relic of the past. Older people still passed on their skills to descendants.
Vargan was also played in European countries. This tool was used by young people to attract the attention of pretty girls. The exotic sound of the harbor won the attention of secular salons in the era of romanticism. Most of the tools were created in Austria.
At the end of the 19th century, playing the harp lost its popularity; some types of instrument generally disappeared from the scene. This was due to the fact that the first harmonica was constructed on the basis of the harp by the German master Bushman. Then a button accordion and an accordion appeared. The success of the new tools was great, but they forgot about the harp.
In the 60-70s of the last century, ethnic cultures began to revive and develop esotericism. Yakutian performer Ivan Alekseev again revived interest in khomus. They became so interested in the instrument again that in 1984 they held a festival of the harbor at the international level. He went to the USA. Today, Norwegians, Americans, Austrians, Russians are actively developing the art of playing this instrument and are creating entire amateur societies. Vargan music began to permeate many musical styles. Modern musicians perfectly improvise, experiment with overtone and avant-garde direction. This instrument, which is primitive in terms of the device, is rather complicated in the game; many of its sides are not yet fully disclosed. This makes it possible to call it an instrument of the 21st century.
Details and size of the harbor
This tool can be of different sizes, it all depends on the proportions of the brush and mouth. The convenience of the game and sound depend on the size. The musician should be comfortable to hold the frame and hit the tongue. Small vargans have high sound and short duration of oscillations of the tongue. The large instrument has a long and bass sound. Miniature girls choose a small device, it is more convenient for large men to play on a large Vargan.
The size depends on the convenience of pressing the decks to the teeth and lips. The stiffness of the tongue can also be of various limits. It is easier to control the harp with a soft tongue, from them there is no return on the teeth and bones of the head. The sound is, albeit quiet, but gentle and smooth. They are suitable for leisurely melodies, meditations and relaxation. A hard tongue gives brightness and clarity to the sound. Rhythmic compositions, moving melodies are performed on such an instrument. It allows you to create even very fast sound.
The length of the tongue also affects the game. The sound can be slow, unhurried, meditative in the harp with a long tongue. A short tongue gives the melody notes of fun, mobility, lightness. It is better to perform folk tunes and peppy dances.
The tongue has a knee and a ring. A large knee is indispensable for slow play, makes the instrument sound low. A small knee is best for quick play. For softness and accuracy it is better to tap on it with your fingers. It is important to know that the vibrations from the tongue go to the instrument’s frame and the musician’s bones.
Steel, brass, and copper are used as the metal for the manufacture of vargan. In addition to them, there are tools of their tree, plexiglass, stone, whalebone, bone. Wooden fixtures, more pleasant on sensations, they give less return on teeth. The sound of the wrought-iron harp is bright and rich. Brass instruments give velvety melodies to the melodies.
How to play on the harbor?
How to create a sound on this miracle tool? This is a combination of vibrations of the tongue, the body of the vargan, the bones of the head and mouth. To play a specific melody, you need to know certain technical points. Indeed, during the game you do not hear the harp itself. Many people are interested in learning how to play a musical instrument Vargan. First they apply it to the teeth, then gently tap on the tongue, after which the resonance goes along the bones of the skull. The body begins to sound. The musician during the game changes the articulation, controls the diaphragm, reduces the larynx, changes the breath. All this affects the sound of the instrument. In order to create a beautiful melody, it is enough to train a month for 15-20 minutes a day.
The use of barrows by shamans
The northern peoples have long considered sacred deer, fire, tambourine and harp. The tambourine was more often used by men, and the harp by women. Ancient shamans believed that with the help of these devices they enter into a trance, change the state of consciousness. Shamans entered different worlds to transform reality. In addition to playing musical instruments, they used other techniques. Shamanistic campaigns could not do without a harp and a tambourine. Using a tool, shamans summoned guardian spirits and communicated with them.
The worldviews of shamans were identical in different parts of the world. They met not only in Siberia and Africa, but also in North and South America, Australia. Therefore, we can safely call the harbor a musical instrument of shamans, with the help of which they traveled in search of strength and information.
Turkmen metal harbor
It is difficult to understand the secret of popularity to a person who did not hold a Turkmen musical instrument - a harp (metal). The world changes when this instrument starts its song, filling with the mood of the owner. Each breath gives a scattering of sounds interwoven into an amazing melody. The Turkmen harp becomes an extension of the player, their souls merge. Fans of this instrument find it difficult to tear themselves away from its melodic sound and ease of performance.
There are several models of the Turkmen harp - some sound with low velvet melodies, others chirp with gentle voices. It is very suitable for solo parts, where the performer follows his inspiration, creates unique musical images. This tool perfectly relieves stress, tunes in a positive wave, fills the soul with harmony.
Chukchi instrument
Many amateurs try to buy a Chukchi musical instrument - a harp. Even in antiquity, magical powers were attributed to him. Chukchi shamans, with musical vibrations, recognized the future and evoked spirits. Vargan (musical instrument of the Chukchi) is valued highly, and the masters who create it are considered people of a higher order. Professional secrets of the manufacture of the tool are strictly protected. The device is convenient to use, and its shape remotely resembles a key.
A unique find of archaeologists
Recently, in the Altai mountains, scientists managed to find a reed musical instrument made from the horn of an animal. The find is considered the most ancient in Eurasia of this kind. Scientists attribute the instrument to the Scythian-Sarmatian period (I millennium BC). Vargan was found during excavations near the Katun River. This find is an ethnographic feature of the inhabitants of southern Siberia.
Varganov in musical instrument stores in Perm
In the foothills of the Western Urals is a large industrial and commercial center - Perm. More than half a million inhabitants live in it. In this city, many are addicted to playing the harp. There are several shops where you can buy Altai vargans (khomus). They are purchased for professional games, as well as for hobbies, pleasure. Many apply for purchase in online stores, where you can get the advice of a professional manager.
Some are attracted by a model with an unusual design, where the frame is made of plexiglass. Such a tool is modern and stylish. Varganov are sold in original wooden or plastic cases, which preserve them during transportation.
Tool cost
Those who have mastered the rather sophisticated technique of playing the Vargan consider that it should be in every family. Can any middle-income buyer get this wonderful tool? The most affordable harbor costs 600-700 rubles. More complex models, with interesting sounds, cost from 1,500 rubles and above. On sale there are tools encrusted with precious stones. They are packed in designer steel covers of a unique shape. Naturally, the price for such work is high.