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"Gentle Boy, Graceful Girl" from Old Street
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Learn more about the instruments on Old Street

Zurna – This single-reed instrument is important in many facets of Armenian culture from holidays and weddings to harvests and outdoor gatherings. At one point the instrument was used to accompany tight-rope walkers with the traveling circus. Usually played in a duet where the second Zurna player will hold a drone tone called “dahm.” What’s unique in the usage on this album (listen to: Track 4, 1:44) is that they employ two drone players, one that stays on the primary tone of the mode and the second that fluctuates with the harmony. Armenia has some of the most talented Zurna players in the world.

Dhol – This percussive instrument is hung from the player’s neck and features two heads, of which only one is actually played. (listen to: Track 1, 1:36; Track 4, 1:34) The dhol can also be played with sticks. This is called a Kopal. A larger mallet is used for the bass sound and a very thin stick is used for the treble, or ‘snare’ sound. (listen to: Track 1, 0:22; Track 4, 1:34)

Zarb – A single-skinned, lap drum, this is also known as a ‘dumbek , a name that comes from the two principle tones that the drum produces: a deep thump (dum) and a tight snap (bek). (listen to: Track 3, 0:05, 0:11)

Duduk – The oboe of Armenia, a duduk is a double-reed instrument made from plum, walnut, apricot and other fruit and nut trees. The history of this instrument dates back before the time of Christ, and is considered one of the most important instruments in Armenian culture. The duduk is the sound of the Armenian soul. (listen to:: Track 3; 0:11)

Kamanche – Similar in size to a viola, the bowed instrument features four metal strings, but unlike the viola is played in an upright position, resting on the player’s thigh or knee by a spike. (listen to: Track 5, 2:47)

Kanun – Another instrument dating back beyond the time of Christ, this stringed instrument (similar in look to an autoharp) has a total of 75 grouped strings, which are tuned flat and then raised or lowered in small semitone increments using a series of latches. (listen to: Track 7, 0:29, 0:56)

Tar – A long-necked six-string lute instrument that is popular throughout many Middle-Eastern and Eurasian countries. The long fingerboard allows for twenty-two to twenty-eight moveable frets used to manipulate pitch. (listen to: Track 8, 1:19, 2:28)

Udu – An African percussion instrument, this style of clay pot was originally used for carrying water. When an opening in the side was inadvertently made, the percussive qualities of the ceramic pot were discovered. Though drastically different in look and construction, the Udu drum produces a sound similar to the tabla. (listen to:  Track 9; 0:00+)

Shvi – An end-blown flute-like instrument, this wind instrument is played solo or in ensembles, and has historically been a tool of music-making for shepherds in Armenia. (listen to: Track 3; 0:11)

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An Armenian Renaissance Emerges from Earthquakes, Blockades, and ...
Learn more about the instruments on Old Street

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