Instruments, Instruments, Instruments...
Music transcends borders, connecting people through melody, harmony, and rhythm. Yet, the instruments behind the sound often remain overlooked, their stories hidden in the shadows. From ancient relics to avant-garde creations, these unique pieces prove that creativity knows no bounds.
By Iris Littleton
1. The Nyckelharpa [Ni-ckle-harp-uh]:
The nyckelharpa is a bit of a musical multitasker. Combining a bow, strings, and keys, it’s basically a violin on overdrive. The Swedish instrument has been serenading Scandinavia for over 600 years with its enchanting, warm and resonant sound.
Fun fact: The earliest depiction of the nyckelharpa dates to 1305, on a church wall painting in Sweden, making it one of the oldest keyed string instruments in the world.
2. The Glass Armonica:
Benjamin Franklin must have gotten a bit sick of his role as one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. Seeking a creative outlet, he took an unexpected turn and invented the glass armonica – a distinctive instrument made up of a series of glass bowls.
Fun fact: Due to its ethereal and haunting tones, it was rumoured to cause psychological effects on listeners, such as dizziness and fainting. While these effects might have been exaggerated rumours, the glass armonica’s eerie sound certainly left a strong impression on its audience in the 18th century.
3. The Duduk [Du-duck]:
The duduk most definitely wins the title for the world’s most emotional instrument. Carved from apricot wood, its sound is deep, warm and soulful. A staple of Armenian culture for centuries, it is often used to convey themes of longing, love and loss.
Fun fact: Its haunting, emotional sound is featured in many movie soundtracks, including Gladiator and Avatar.
4. The Sitar:
The sitar is a masterpiece of design and sound, with its intricate carvings and mesmerising melodies. Played for centuries in Indian classical music, it gained further stardom in the 1960’s when The Beatles’ George Harrison became a student of Ravi Shanker. With up to 21 strings, the sitar creates layers of sound that seem to shimmer in the air. Maybe the saying “less is more” doesn’t apply to this stringed situation.
Fun fact: the sitar’s sympathetic strings, which resonate without being plucked, were designed to mimic the sound of Indian temple bells.
5. The Theremin:
The theremin is like something out of a sci-fi movie. It’s an instrument you play without even touching it. Using two antennas, players control pitch and volume by moving their hands in the air, creating its signature eerie sound. Invented in 1920, the theremin is a favourite in soundtracks and experimental music.
Fun fact: the theremin was originally intended to be used as a proximity sensor for security purposes before becoming one of the first electronic musical instruments.
Music is more than just entertainment; it’s a reflection of humanity’s boundless creativity. From the heartfelt sigh of a duduk to the futuristic hum of a theremin, these instruments reveal the beauty and diversity of sound. At Spotlight, we celebrate these unsung heroes of the musical world- because every note, no matter how unfamiliar, has a story worth hearing.
Illustrations by Iris Littleton
