5.2 String Instruments: Oud, Qanun, and Santur
3 min read•august 6, 2024
String instruments are the backbone of Middle Eastern music. The , , and each bring unique qualities to the ensemble. These instruments showcase the region's rich musical heritage through their construction and playing techniques.
The oud's fretless neck allows for , while the qanun's plucked strings create shimmering melodies. The santur's hammered strings produce bell-like tones. Together, they form a diverse palette of sounds central to Middle Eastern musical expression.
Oud and Qanun
Oud: Fretless Lute Played with a Plectrum
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Top images from around the web for Oud: Fretless Lute Played with a Plectrum
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THE VIEW FROM FEZ: The Oud at the Fez Festival - More Than Just Music View original
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- Oud is a pear-shaped stringed instrument commonly used in Middle Eastern music
- meaning it has a neck without frets, allowing for more precise control over pitch and enabling the use of microtones (intervals smaller than a semitone)
- Played using a (a small pick) to pluck the strings
- Has 11-13 strings grouped in 5-6 (pairs of strings tuned to the same pitch)
- located on the neck are used to adjust the pitch of the strings
- Produces a warm, mellow tone with a wide range of expressive possibilities (bending notes, vibrato)
Qanun: Plucked Zither with a Distinctive Tremolo Effect
- Qanun is a large trapezoidal zither played on the lap or a stand
- Has a flat with 72-78 strings arranged in groups of 3 over 24-26 courses
- Strings are plucked with two tortoise-shell or horn plectra attached to the index fingers
- Distinctive is achieved by rapidly alternating between the left and right hand plectra
- called are used to adjust the pitch of the strings, allowing for the use of different (melodic modes)
- Produces a bright, shimmering sound that is often used for melodic embellishments and improvisations
Santur
Hammered Dulcimer in the Zither Family
- Santur is a hammered dulcimer that belongs to the zither family of instruments
- Consists of a trapezoidal wooden box with 72-96 strings stretched across a bridge
- Strings are struck with lightweight wooden mallets called
- Has a range of 3-3.5 octaves, with the strings arranged in groups of 4 (two sets of double courses tuned in unison or octaves)
- Bridges are adjustable, allowing for the use of different tunings and maqamat
- Produces a clear, bell-like tone with a fast decay, making it well-suited for playing rapid passages and
Instrument Characteristics
Resonance and Sound Production
- is the amplification and enrichment of sound by the vibration of the instrument's body
- Oud, qanun, and santur all have hollow wooden bodies that serve as resonating chambers
- Soundboard (the top plate of the instrument) vibrates in response to the vibration of the strings, amplifying and projecting the sound
- Size, shape, and materials used in the construction of the instrument affect its resonance and (larger body = deeper, richer sound)
Playing Techniques and Expressive Possibilities
- Oud techniques include , plucking, tremolo, , and , allowing for a wide range of expressive possibilities
- Qanun players use various , , and to create intricate melodies and ornamentations
- Santur technique involves the use of different striking patterns and dampening techniques to control the duration and articulation of notes
- All three instruments are capable of producing microtones and playing in various maqamat, essential elements of Middle Eastern music
- Skilled players use these techniques to convey emotion, create tension and release, and showcase virtuosity in their performances
Key Terms to Review (33)
Arab oud: The Arab oud is a traditional stringed instrument that serves as a cornerstone of Middle Eastern music. Characterized by its pear-shaped body, short neck, and lack of frets, the oud produces a warm, rich tone that is fundamental to the region's musical heritage. Its versatility allows it to be used in various musical styles, from classical compositions to contemporary performances, making it a vital element in ensembles alongside other string instruments.
Bridges: In the context of string instruments like the oud, qanun, and santur, a bridge is a critical component that supports the strings and transfers their vibrations to the body of the instrument. This element is crucial for sound production, affecting tone quality, volume, and overall playability. The design and placement of the bridge can significantly influence how these instruments resonate and interact with the player’s technique.
Courses: In the context of string instruments, 'courses' refers to pairs of strings that are tuned to the same pitch, typically found in instruments like the oud, qanun, and santur. This design feature enhances the richness and depth of sound, allowing musicians to produce fuller harmonies and resonances when playing.
Ensemble playing: Ensemble playing refers to the collaborative performance of music by a group of musicians, where each player contributes their unique part to create a cohesive and harmonious sound. This practice emphasizes interaction, communication, and shared musical interpretation among musicians, allowing them to respond to one another dynamically during a performance. It is essential for establishing the musical dialogue that defines many traditional music forms.
Fretless lute: A fretless lute is a type of string instrument that does not have frets along its neck, allowing for smooth glissando and microtonal variations in pitch. This design is essential for performing music with intricate melodies and ornamentation characteristic of Middle Eastern music. The lack of frets enables players to slide between notes seamlessly, contributing to the emotive expressiveness found in performances.
Glissandi: Glissandi refers to a musical technique where a player smoothly slides between pitches, creating a continuous transition that can evoke emotion and expressiveness. This technique enhances the melodic lines and adds a unique sonic texture, making it prominent in string instruments and traditional music forms, particularly in the context of Middle Eastern music.
Mandals: Mandals are musical modes or scales used in the context of Middle Eastern music, particularly associated with string instruments like the oud, qanun, and santur. These modes serve as the foundation for melody creation and improvisation, guiding musicians in their compositions and performances while providing a distinct emotional character to the music.
Maqam music: Maqam music is a system of melodic modes used in the traditional music of the Middle East, characterized by specific scales and emotional expressions. Each maqam serves as a framework for improvisation and composition, allowing musicians to convey different moods and feelings through their performances. This system is essential for string instruments like the oud, qanun, and santur, which utilize maqams to create intricate melodies that resonate deeply within the cultural context of the region.
Maqamat: Maqamat are the system of melodic modes used in Middle Eastern music, characterized by specific sets of pitches and distinct emotional qualities. Each maqam provides a framework for improvisation and composition, influencing the structure and expressiveness of musical pieces across various genres.
Mezrab: A mezrab is a type of plectrum used to play various traditional string instruments, particularly in Middle Eastern music. It is typically made from materials such as wood, plastic, or metal and comes in various shapes and sizes, allowing musicians to produce different tones and techniques while playing instruments like the oud, qanun, and santur.
Microtones: Microtones are musical intervals smaller than a semitone, which is the smallest interval used in Western music. In many musical traditions of the Middle East, microtones are essential for defining scales, modes, and melodies. These intervals allow for a rich palette of expressive possibilities and are foundational to the structure of maqams, as well as the tuning systems of various string instruments.
Muhammad Abd al-Wahhab: Muhammad Abd al-Wahhab was an 18th-century Islamic scholar and theologian from what is now Saudi Arabia, known for founding the Wahhabi movement, which sought to return to a more pure form of Islam based on the teachings of the Quran and Hadith. His reformist ideas have had lasting impacts on various aspects of Middle Eastern society, including music traditions and cultural practices.
Ornamentations: Ornamentations refer to the decorative musical flourishes that embellish a melodic line, adding expressiveness and complexity to a performance. These embellishments enhance the character of the music, allowing performers to showcase their individual style and creativity while interpreting melodies in both vocal and instrumental contexts. In rhythmic instruments and string instruments like the oud, qanun, and santur, ornamentations are essential for conveying the nuances and emotional depth of Middle Eastern music.
Ottoman Influence: Ottoman influence refers to the profound impact the Ottoman Empire had on the cultural, musical, and social landscapes of the Middle East and surrounding regions from the 14th century until the early 20th century. This influence shaped various elements of Middle Eastern music, including instrumentation, styles, and performance practices, while also integrating diverse cultural expressions from different ethnic groups within the empire.
Oud: The oud is a traditional Middle Eastern string instrument that resembles a lute and is known for its pear-shaped body, short neck, and lack of frets. It plays a crucial role in various musical styles across the region, serving as a fundamental instrument for both improvisation and composition.
Persian Santur: The Persian santur is a traditional string instrument that consists of a trapezoidal wooden box with strings stretched across it, played by striking the strings with mallets. This instrument has deep cultural roots in Persian music and is known for its rich, resonant sound, which adds a unique texture to various musical ensembles.
Plectrum: A plectrum is a small, flat tool used to pluck or strum the strings of stringed instruments. It can be made from various materials, including plastic, wood, or metal, and its shape and thickness can greatly influence the sound produced by the instrument. Plectra are essential for playing instruments like the oud, qanun, and santur, as they allow musicians to articulate notes clearly and produce distinct tones.
Plucking Technique: Plucking technique refers to the method of producing sound on string instruments by using fingers or a plectrum to pull and release the strings. This technique is essential for creating distinct tones and articulations, allowing musicians to express emotion and style in their performance. It plays a significant role in the playing styles of various Middle Eastern string instruments, influencing the overall sound and character of the music.
Pull-offs: Pull-offs are a guitar technique where a player plucks a string and then pulls their finger off the fretboard to let a lower note ring out without re-picking the string. This technique allows musicians to create smooth, legato phrases, which are particularly expressive in string instruments like the oud, qanun, and santur, enhancing the musical texture.
Qanun: The qanun is a traditional Middle Eastern string instrument, resembling a zither, played by plucking strings with the fingers or using plectra. It is integral to various musical styles across the region, embodying rich cultural expressions and often found in ensembles, enhancing the modal systems and genres of Middle Eastern music.
Resonance: Resonance refers to the phenomenon where a system or object amplifies sound vibrations at specific frequencies, leading to enhanced sound quality and volume. In string instruments, resonance plays a crucial role in how sound is produced and projected, influencing the instrument's tonal characteristics and overall performance.
Sama' boushir: Sama' boushir is a traditional form of musical expression often associated with the art of listening to music, particularly within Sufi circles, which emphasizes spiritual connection and the transcendence of the listener. This practice highlights the importance of string instruments like the oud, qanun, and santur in creating an evocative soundscape that facilitates a deep, meditative experience for participants.
Santur: The santur is a traditional stringed instrument originating from the Middle East, particularly prominent in Persian music. It consists of a trapezoidal wooden box with strings stretched across its length, which are played with mallets. The santur is not only integral to regional modal systems but also features prominently in various forms and genres of music.
Slides: Slides refer to a specific technique used in string instruments, where the player smoothly moves their finger along the string to create a gliding effect between pitches. This technique is essential in expressing musical nuances and emotions, as it adds fluidity and richness to the sound produced by instruments like the oud, qanun, and santur.
Solo performance: A solo performance refers to a musical presentation in which a single musician showcases their skill, expression, and interpretation through an individual instrument or vocal piece. This type of performance allows for personal artistic expression and deep emotional connection, especially prominent in the context of traditional music forms.
Soundboard: A soundboard is a flat, resonant surface in string instruments that amplifies the sound produced by the vibrating strings. It plays a crucial role in the overall tonal quality and projection of instruments like the oud, qanun, and santur, as it enhances the sound by resonating and distributing it throughout the body of the instrument.
Strumming: Strumming is a technique used in playing string instruments, where the player brushes or strikes the strings with a plectrum or fingers to create sound. This method is essential for producing rhythmic patterns and harmonies, contributing significantly to the overall texture of music played on string instruments like the oud, qanun, and santur. Understanding strumming helps players convey emotions and dynamics within musical pieces.
Tonal Qualities: Tonal qualities refer to the characteristics of sound that define how music is perceived, including aspects such as pitch, timbre, and volume. These qualities shape the overall musical experience and can vary significantly between different instruments, leading to distinct sound profiles. In string instruments like the oud, qanun, and santur, tonal qualities are crucial for conveying emotional depth and cultural significance.
Traditional folk music: Traditional folk music refers to the songs, melodies, and musical forms that are passed down through generations, often rooted in the cultural and social practices of a specific community. This music is typically characterized by its use of local instruments, storytelling elements, and reflection of the daily lives and experiences of the people. In the Middle Eastern context, traditional folk music plays a significant role in the performance practices associated with string instruments and in shaping the regional popular music scenes.
Tremolo effect: The tremolo effect is a musical technique that creates a rapid repetition of a note or a change in volume to produce a shimmering sound. This technique can be found in various string instruments, enhancing their expressiveness and dynamic range. In the context of string instruments, it adds depth to melodies and can evoke a range of emotions, making it a popular choice in Middle Eastern music.
Tremolo Patterns: Tremolo patterns refer to a technique used in music where the same note or chord is rapidly repeated to create a shimmering, fluctuating sound. This technique adds texture and depth to performances, especially in string instruments like the oud, qanun, and santur, where it enhances expressiveness and emotional impact.
Trills: Trills are rapid alternations between two adjacent notes, typically a step apart, creating a decorative and expressive ornament in music. They serve to embellish melodies, enhance emotional expression, and showcase the technical skill of performers. In Middle Eastern music, trills are often employed in improvisation and ornamentation to add depth and complexity to maqam-based pieces.
Tuning Pegs: Tuning pegs are mechanical devices used to adjust the tension of strings on stringed instruments, allowing musicians to set the instrument to the desired pitch. They play a crucial role in achieving accurate intonation and are essential for maintaining the overall sound quality of instruments like the oud, qanun, and santur. The ability to finely tune each string ensures that the music played is harmonious and aligned with other instruments or vocalists.