Traditional Armenian musical instruments have a thousand-year history. Many wind, string and percussion devices that have been used by local folk groups for centuries have reached our days. The most interesting Armenian folk musical instruments will be considered in our publication.
Duduk
Duduk is one of the oldest wind instruments in the world. The invention of the device dates back to the first century BC. Descriptions of the device are contained in numerous manuscripts from the Middle Ages.
The Armenian musical instrument looks like a hollow tube made of apricot wood. The design includes a removable reed mouthpiece. The front surface contains 8 holes. On the back there are two more openings. One of them is used to set up the instrument, and the other is used to close it with the thumb during the game.
Duduk makes sounds thanks to the vibration of the reed mouthpiece plates. The clearance of the elements is regulated by changing the air pressure. Separate notes are taken by closing and opening holes on the body. The value while playing the instrument is proper breathing. Musicians take a quick deep breath. Then perform a smooth long expiration.
Zurna
Zurna is an Armenian wind musical instrument, which in ancient times was widely used by the peoples of Transcaucasia. The device is made in the form of a wooden tube with a bell end. The hollow body contains 8-9 holes. One of them is located on the back side. The range of this Armenian musical instrument covers about one and a half octaves. The sound tone of the device is piercing.
Zurna is considered the forerunner of the modern oboe. The instrument finds application in ensembles that are formed from three musicians. The lead soloist plays the main tune. The second member of the collective makes lingering sounds. The third musician is responsible for the rhythmic part of the composition, playing a percussion instrument dhol.
Saz
This Armenian folk musical instrument has a pear-shaped outline. The device is made of walnut or thuja wood. Saz is hollowed out from a single piece or glued using separate rivets. A long neck with 16-17 frets departs from the body. The element contains rounding on the back. On the head of the neck there are spikes with which the strings are pulled. The number of the latter can vary from six to eight, depending on the size of this Armenian musical instrument.
Dhol
Dhol is an ethnic Armenian drum. The tool was invented back in the days of the pagan page in the history of the state. Using the device, they set the rhythm for marching soldiers during military campaigns. The sound of the drum is effectively interwoven with the melody of duduk and zurna.
The tool has a cylindrical shape. The case is made mainly of metal. Dhol can be equipped with one or two membranes. As an impact surface, the ancient Armenians usually used thin sheet copper, walnut wood or ceramics. Nowadays, plastic is most often used as a replacement for these materials. In cases where the device is performed using two membranes, the elements are interconnected by strings. The strength of the rope tension allows you to adjust the pitch of the drum.
They play the dhol according to the following principle:
- sit on a chair;
- the lower plane of the drum rests in the leg;
- the tool body is covered with a forearm;
- The membrane is clearly punched with fingers in the area between the edge and the central area of the work surface.
During exposure to the middle of the canvas of the drum, dull low intonations are noted. Striking the rims of the instrument allows you to achieve a sonorous clang to maintain pace.
Eve
Eve is an Armenian string musical instrument, which has the appearance of a hollow inside a wooden trapeze. The front surface is represented by a pine plane about 4 mm thick. The rest of the device is covered in fish skin. Strings on one side are fixed in special openings on the body. In the opposite part of the instrument, the strings are attached to the pegs. Here are the iron levers of the ling. The latter is raised and lowered by the musician during the game in order to change tones and midtones.
Kemancha
Kemancha belongs to the category of string bow instruments. Externally, the product resembles a lute, which contains a long neck. The most ancient information about the adaptation dates back to the 12th century.
The tool consists of a cup-shaped case of small dimensions, which is performed on the basis of dried pumpkin, tree or coconut shell. The element is connected to a metal rod. The latter contains a leather deck. Three strings are pulled over the neck of the instrument.
During the game on Kemanche, the bow is held motionless in one plane. The melody is played by turning the instrument. The sound of the device is nasal. Kemanche is rarely played unaccompanied. Often the instrument is used for accompaniment to the main melody in Armenian folk plays.