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Tanpura
Taanpura, Tamboura, Tanpura or Tambura is in fact a long-shaped lute and a type of stringed instrument, which exist in various shapes and sizes and are found in a lot of places. The shape of this instrument bears resemblance to Sitar but it does not consist of frets. As a result, the strings of this instrument are incited openly. Either one or more tanpuras is likely to accompany other vocalists or musicians. This instrument consists of either four or five strings, which are played successively in a uniform pattern for creation of a harmonic resonance. An electronic instrument often supersede in the performance of modern Indian traditional music.
Tanpuras are available in various pitches and sizes. The larger ones are considered males and smaller ones are considered females for vocalists. The smaller version is often used for giving company to Sarod or Sitar, known as Tanpuri or Tamburi. Those, who are male vocalists often, pitch their tone (Sa) to (C) whereas female singers, who are fifth higher, their tone is likely to be any note, since there is hardly any pitch in the music system Indian tradition. The male tanpura consists of open string, the length of which is about one meter whereas the female one is about three-fourths of the male tanpura.The tuning of good quality is 5-8-8-1, which sounds like sol do’ do’ do and in the Indian sargam, it sounds like PA-sa-sa-SA. As far as ragas are concerned, they omit the fifth one and the first string is beaten down for the natural fourth, which sounds 4-8-8-1 or Ma-sa-sa-Sa. There are such types of ragas, which needs less prevalent tuning with pure NI-sa-sa-SA. With the help of a five-string tanpura major 7th or natural minor is added, which sounds PA-NI-sa-sa-SA or MA-NI-sa-sa-SA.
Origin of Tanpura
Etymology proves that the name of Tanpura has been derived from two terminologies concerning musical phrase. The meaning of ‘Pura’ is complete. Nevertheless, great musicians admit that this instrument is the changed version of another attractive instrument, Veena, an instrument, which has existed in the tradition of India since antiquity. We all have caught the glimpse of Goddess Saraswati holding Veena in her arm. One of our oldest Vedas, Rig Veda, has described the importance of Veena in its literature. Hence, it is absolutely clear that Tanpura must have been derived from this wonderful instrument, Veena and also this instrument bears resemblance to Veena in numerous ways. Also, the known presumption that any string instrument called as Veena could clarify that we recognize Tanpura today must have been Veena long before.
Design
Tanpura are made in three attractive styles:
Miraj style
This style is very attractive form of Tanpura for performers of India. As far as its dimension is concerned, its length is about 3-5 feet, cradled with cozy resonator plate along with a hollow and long straight neck. The lower chamber which is round in shape, to which the tabli, joining the neck and heel piece are joined, is really a chosen and dried and wilted gourd. Wood which is used is either teak or tun. Bridges are trimmed from single piece of bone.
Tanjore style: This style belongs to South India and is profusely used by performers of Carnatic music. This instrument boasts off different shape and style. In fact, no such gourd is used. Only the spherical part is taken out of strong block of wood. The neck is a bit smaller in diameter. Typical type of wood, called as Jackwood is used all over. Bridges are trimmed from a single piece of rosewood. In fact, two rosettes are taken out and then ornamented along with inlaywork.
Tamburi
These instruments are small kind of instruments, which are used for playing instrument soloists. As far as its dimension is concerned, its length is about 3 feet, coupled with wooden body and slightly bent tabli. This instrument may consist of 4-6 strings. These instruments are tuned to the greater octave and are often chosen to accompany solo performances carried out by the artists practicing string playing, as the more transparent and lighter sound does not obscure the lower register of a sarangi, sarod or sitar.
Playing Positions
Tanpura can be played and held upright resting either on the floor or lap or lying horizontally on the floor just in front of the artist. The technique of traditional playing requires putting of the thumb of the playing hand to the long neck of the instrument so that it does the work of providing support. The digits should be kept parallel to the strings lying in the middle. The first string is vibrated with the help of middle finger and then 2nd, 3rd and at last the fourth strings are vibrated with the help of index finger. The process of vibrating or plucking is done by the soft fingertips so that the plucking is just like that of soft stroking of the vibrating strings. It is pertinent to give the impression of lively vibration and freely floating.
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