This articlecontainsweasel words:vague phrasing that often accompaniesbiasedorunverifiableinformation.(February 2019) |
Theshehnai,often referred to in English as anoboe,is amusical instrumentoriginating from theIndian subcontinent.It is made of wood, with adouble reedat one end and a metal or wooden flared bell at the other end.[1][2][3]It was one of the nine instruments found in the royal court. The shehnai is similar toSouth India'snadaswaram.
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| Other names | Sharnai, Saanai, Sahnai, Sanai, Serunai, Shahnai, Shanai, Shenai, Shenoy, Sahnai, Babol Basi |
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Characteristics
editThis tubular instrument gradually broadens towards the lower end. It usually has between six and nine holes. It employs one set ofquadruple reeds,making it aquadruple reedwoodwind.To master the instrument, themusicianmust employ various and intricateembouchureandfingeringtechniques.[1]
The shehnai has a range of twooctaves,from the A belowmiddle Cto the A one line above the treble clef (A3 to A5 inscientific pitch notation). A shehnai is often but not always made with a body ofwoodorbambooand a flaredmetalend.[4]
Origin of the shehnai
editThe shehnai is thought to have been developed by improving upon thepungi(a woodwind folk instrument used primarily forsnake charming).
The counterparts to the shehnai played inWestern Indiaand Coastal Karnataka are indigenous to the territory. Shehnai players were/are an integral part of Goan/Konkani region and the temples along the western coast and the players are calledVajantriand were allotted lands for services rendered to the temples.[5]
Music
editIt takes a lot of effort to play these instruments. The performance of the instrumentalist is essential, especially for the long and fast-paced song.[6]In the Kannada filmSanaadi Appannathis instrument was used widely.
Gallery
edit-
The Nepalese version, called thesahane,has a curve and is played in thepanche baja. -
A shehnai player.
Notable Indian shehnai players
editOther Related Wind Instruments
edit- Mizmar,a shawm similar to the shehnai
- Nadaswaram,a similar South Indian instrument
- Reed instrument,a type of woodwind instrument
- Shawm,a type of reed instrument
Notes
edit- ^ab"Shehnai | musical instrument".Britannica.britannica.Retrieved2023-03-10.
- ^Ranade. p. 307.
- ^Hoiberg, p. 1
- ^"shehnai".metmuseum.org.Allen Roda.Retrieved27 May2019.
- ^Gazetteer of the Union Territory Goa, Daman and Diu: district gazetteer, Volume 1.Gazetteer Dept., Govt. of the Union Territory of Goa, Daman and Diu. 1979.
- ^"Bismillah Khan | Biography, Music, & Facts | Britannica".britannica.2024-07-12.Retrieved2024-08-07.
References
edit- Ranade, Ashok Damodar (2006).Music contexts: a concise dictionary of Hindustani Music.Bibliophile South Asia.ISBN81-85002-63-0.
- Hoiberg, Dale; Indu Ramchandani (2000).Students' Britannica India.Popular Prakashan.ISBN9780852297605.