Sarangi is a bowed string instrument typical of
Indian subcontinent. Sarangi forms an important string instrument in
Hindustani school of classical music tradition. It is said that of all
Indian instruments, Sarangi resembles most to the sound of the human
voice. The origin of the name Sarangi is very interesting as the word
Sarangi has been derived from two Hindi words- sau (which means 100) and
rang (color). It has been named so as the sound of the Sarangi is as
communicative and evocative as hundred colors.
The music of Sarangi is often vocal. When the Sarangi players perform,
the words of classical songs are generally present in their mind and the
performance usually adheres to the principles of vocal performance.
Carved from a single block of wood, Sarangi is box-like in shape. It is
usually around two feet long and half a foot wide. The lower resonance
chamber of Sarangi is hollowed out, which is covered with parchment and
a strip of leather at the waist, supporting the elephant-shaped bridge.
The bridge of Sarangi supports the pressure of numerous strings
(approximately 40 strings).
The three comparatively thick, tight and short strings of Sarangi are
bowed with a heavy horsehair bow and stopped with the nails, cuticles
and surrounding flesh. To provide lubrication in fingers, talcum powder
is used. Rest of the strings in Sarangi are for resonance and may number
up to 35. The lowest level comprises of a diatonic row of 9 tarabs and a
chromatic row of 15 tarabs (resonance strings). There are two more sets
of longer tarabs between these lower tarabs and the main playing
strings. These are tuned to the important tones of the raga.
 |
Music of India |
