Sound Samples:

www.myspace.com/cellochanting

About The Instruments

Cello - The cello is similar to the violin, but is much larger and is held between the legs. It is smaller than the double bass, but larger than the viola. The cello's primary ancestor is the viola de gamba, which was used to play bass continuo lines in music from the Baroque period.  The cello gained popularity in the 20th Century when Pablo Casals found the 6 Bach Solo Suites.  Pablo Casals also took cello to a new level of technical ability, which was furthered by the Russian cellists Mstislav Rostropovich and Daniel Shafran.  Only recently has the cello started to receive recognition outside of the Classical World.  This is largely do to the work of Yo Yo Ma, who has taken the cello into Jazz, Brazilian Music, and recently the Silk Road Project.

Kora - The Kora has been played in West Africa, (Senegal, Mali, and the Gambia) since the 16^th Century during the reign of Ancient African Kings. The Kora was played in the courts, and has been passed down from father to son since that time, (spanning approx 70 generations). The Kora has 21 strings made of fishing line and takes hours of training starting from a young age to be able to truly master. The most prominent player of the day is Toumani Diabate.  The traditional players are called Griots, and they hold a special place in society.  Griots also include drummers, storytellers, singers, and dancers.

Shruti Box - The Shruti is related to the Harmonium which is a British mini-organ that was adopted in India during Britain's reign. It involves pumping an accordian like flap which produces sound through reeds. The Shruti Box can sustain drones on simple harmonies.  Notes can be changed by moving the valves on the front of the instrument that range an octave from C.  The Harmonium is different in that one can play keys like on a piano.

Bansuri - the Bansuri is an Indian Bamboo transverse flute which has its origins in India, Pakistan, Bangledesh, and Nepal.  It has been popularized by the love story of Krishna and Radha which dates approx 3200 B.C.E.  and is seen in Buddhist paintings from 100 A.D.  Its length ranges from 14" to 30".  The most prominent player of the day is Hariprasad Chaurasia.

Shakuhachi – the Shakuhachi is a Japanese Zen Flute used in the Fuke Zen School as a healing tool for monks. It requires a high degree of precision and demands great control of the breath. It is also microtonal in that its notes can be bended to slightly higher or lower pitches. The Shakuhachi is pentatonic and his a rich, earthy, deep tone.

Native Flute –  The Native flute  was originally used by First Nations in courtship, healing, meditation, and spiritual rituals.  It is similar to the recorder, but is generally tuned to a minor pentatonic scale.

Tibetan Singing Bowl -

Didgeree Doo- ...

Kalimba - ...