Folk art is not complete without unique musical instruments that characterize and reflect the features of their nation. Appearing in ancient times, they experienced a number of improvements, but still did not lose their sound. Everyone knows the main Russian folk musical instruments. Spoons in this list play not the last role. What is special about this unique instrument and how is it remarkable? Learn more about this.
The historical roots of the game on the spoons
The origins of the game on such an unusual instrument send us to the Eastern Slavs. It was they who in the early 16th century began to use wooden spoons to extract rhythmic sounds. A musical instrument in those days was too cumbersome and required playing skills on it.
Wooden spoons could be used in any situation: during the ceremonial ceremony, and in the campaign, and at the time of departure. Our ancestors did not have a specific system for playing on spoons; there is none now. The beauty of the sound lies in improvisation and a sense of rhythm of the performer. He charges his game with emotions and energy, which is transmitted to others. Later, spoons and buffoons began to use spoons as a musical instrument, accompanying themselves in the performance of funny and comic songs.
The role of spoons in the classification of musical instruments
Today, all tools have been systematized and laid out on shelves. Classifications and spoons were exposed. Folk musical instruments are divided into:
- noise percussion (tambourine, maracas, spoons);
- percussion melodic (drum);
- plucked strings (domra, guitar);
- reed pneumatic (button accordion, accordion).
The group of noise or rhythmic instruments, to which the musical instrument of the spoon belongs, is distinguished by the fact that it does not require special training or mastery of the technique. In order to play well on such instruments, use rhythmic percussion movements, shaking, clapping. The quality of the game still depends on the sense of rhythm and energy of the performer.
Spoon technique
In order to play on wooden spoons, no additional fixtures or equipment are required. You can do this both standing and sitting. Folk ensembles prefer to use special spoons made of maple or birch. Ordinary most often made of linden wood, but it does not make such sonorous sounds and also more fragile.
The musical instrument of the spoon in its classic form looks like two wooden structures clamped in the brush of one hand. A sonorous sound is achieved by striking the backs of one another.
The handles of the spoons must be held firmly, while the brush should be movable and soft. The sound volume is controlled by the force of the shock. At the beginning of the training session, the hand can get tired significantly, but over time, the muscles adapt to a specific load and get used to it. Experienced spoons can play on three spoons, pinching them between the fingers of one hand. Playing on the spoons does not require the study of musical notation and scores. Only a sense of rhythm and a desire to learn how to play an instrument.
Spoon game for children
As a musical instrument, spoons are often used in kindergartens and development centers. First of all, they are safe for babies: the smooth surfaces of the spoons will not allow children to get hurt, and the light weight and mobility of the musical instrument make it indispensable on any matinee. Kids are happy to extract loud rhythmic sounds from spoons and work hard with handles.
But not only for pleasure, the use of this folk instrument is useful: while playing on spoons, fine motor skills are actively involved and develops. This positively affects the development of the speech apparatus, and allows you to adjust the handwriting and concentration. A game on spoons as an art therapy can be prescribed to hyperactive children and toddlers with perceptual problems.
It’s a pleasure to listen to the collective of folk instruments. They are able to convey the mood and energy of the whole nation, to convey its history. In our time, such music has become very popular. To take part in the game of an ensemble of folk instruments is as simple as that even for a person without musical skills. Wooden spoons will immerse you in an atmosphere of daring fun and rhythmic jokes of buffoons.