MUSIC
P. V. Seshubabu
NADASWARAM
The ‘Nadaswaram’ or ‘Nagaswaram’ is a double -reed wind instrument. It is a traditional classical instrument originated in Tamil Nadu. It is the world’s loudest non-brass acoustic instrument similar to ‘Shehnai’.
n Tamil culture, the Nadaswaram is considered to be very auspicious and is a key musical instrument played in almost all Hindu weddings and temples of the South Indian tradition. It is part of the family of instruments known as ‘Mangala Vaadya’(auspicious instrument). The instrument is played in pairs and accompanied by a pair of drums called ‘Thavil’. It is also accompanied with a drone from a similar oboe called the Ottu.
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‘Silappathigaram’ a Tamil epic of Sangam Period refers to an
instrument called “vangiyam” which is similar to Nadaswaram. There are seven holes played with seven fingers and, therefore, it was also known as “Ezhil”. The Nadaswaram contains three parts, namely ‘Kuzhal’, ‘Thimiru’ and ‘Anasu’. It is a double reed instrument with a conical bore which gradually enlarges toward the lower end. The top portion has a metal staple (Mel Anaichu) into which is inserted a small metallic cylinder (Kendai) which carries the mouthpiece made of reed. Besides spare reeds, a small ivory or
Great Nadaswaram Players
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1. Tiruvavaduthurai Rajaratnam Pillai 2. Thiruvengadu Subramania Pillai 3. Thiruvizha Jayashankar
The instrument is played in pairs and accompanied by a pair of drums called ‘Thavil’. It is also accompanied with a drone from a similar oboe called the Ottu. horn needle is attached to the instrument and used to clear the reed of saliva or other debris allows free passage of air. A metallic bell (Keezh Anaichu) forms the bottom end of the instrument. Traditionally, the body of the nadaswaram is made out of a tree called ‘aacha’ (Anchan) although now-a-days bamboo, sandalwood, copper, brass, ebony and ivory are also used.
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4. Namagiripettai Krishnan 5. Sheik Chinna Moulana
The Nadaswaram has seven finger-holes and five additional holes drilled at the bottom which can be stopped with wax to modify the tone. The Nadaswaram has a range of two-and-ahalf octaves, similar to the Indian bansuri flute which also has a similar fingering. Unlike the flute, where semi and quarter tones are produced by the partial opening and closing of the finger holes, in the Nadaswaram the tones are produced by adjusting the pressure and strengths of the airflow into the pipe. Due to its intense volume and strength, it is largely an outdoor instrument and much more suited for spaces than for indoor concerts. march 16
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