(Persian tar by Afshari ET-202) The tar, derived from the Persian word for string, is a long-necked instrument belonging to the lute family. It is…
The Tar, an Iconic Long-Necked Persian Lute
Category: Articles
Rancheras: A Passionate Traditional Mexican Music Genre
Ranchera, also referred to as canción ranchera, is a cornerstone of traditional Mexican music, tracing its origins to the pre-Mexican Revolution era. Defined by its…
The Passionate Bachata of the Dominican Republic
(headline image: Joan Soriano, roots bachatero – Photograph: Mika Mika © iASO Records, 2011) Bachata is one of the most popular and best known Dominican…
Diplica, the Ancient Pipe of Croatia
(headline image; Diplica – Photo courtesy of Stjepan Veckovic) The diplica or diplice is an ancient, simple wind instrument that was played in different forms…
The music of the pirates and freed African slaves
Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones will always be the world’s greatest rock ‘n’ roll outlaw. This musical prince of thieves who stole a sound…
Rhythm and resilience: musicians of the Mahindra Percussion Festival share creative insights for audiences and aspiring artists
The second edition of the Mahindra Percussion Festival (MPF) will be kicking off in Bangalore this weekend, with two days of performances at the Prestige…
Mridangam, the Indispensable South Indian Barrel Drum
The mridangam, a double-headed barrel-shaped drum, is a prominent instrument in Carnatic (South Indian) classical music. It is traditionally played in a seated position with…
Sonic thunder: 2nd edition of Mahindra Percussion Festival kicks off in Bangalore this weekend
(headline image: MPF- Rhythms of India) Over the years, the Mahindra Group of manufacturing, agricultural and IT companies has organized a range of outstanding cultural…
Maloya, the Traditional Music of Reunion Island
(Headline image: Maloya celebration – Photograph: René Paul Savignan, © Savignan RP, 2001. Courtesy of UNESCO) Maloya is one of the two major musical genres…
The Rabel: an Insight into an Ancient Spanish Musical Instrument
(headline image: One string rabel – Photo by Araceli Tzigane Sánchez. This the same type of rabel used by Juan Antonio Torres of folk band…