The shehnai is a popular musical instrument in India
and falls in the category of aero phonic instruments. Shehnai is
believed to bring good luck that is why in North Indian marriages and
processions Shenani is predominantly played. Shehnai is a tube-like
instrument that gradually widens towards its lower end. For rhythm,
resonance and sound Sarangi generally has between six and nine holes and
employs two sets of double reeds, making it a quadruple reed woodwind.
By controlling the breath, various tunes can be played on shehnai.
According to the scholars of the Indian music, the present day shehnai
was developed by improving upon the pungi.
Breath control is the keyword for playing shehnai and all the tunes of
full tone, half-tone and sharp notes can be played on shenai through
breath control. The notes are continuous and are generally used in
classical and light classical music. Sehnai closely resembles the
Nadaswaram, a prominent musical instrument of South India. Bharat Ratna
Ustad Bismillah Khan was a great shehnai player.
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Music of India |
