Hinduism: Details about 'Bansuri'
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The bansuri, one of the oldest musical instruments in India, is a side-blown flute made of bamboo or reed with six or seven-holes. The bansuri is associated with the Hindu God, Krishna, who is often depicted playing it.Another common and similar Indian flute played in South India is the Venu. Other names by which a bansuri is known in India are bansi, murali. There are two varieties of bansuri: the traverse and fipple. The fipple variety is usually played in folk music and is held away from the lips like a whistle. Because of the flexibility and control it offers, the traverse variety is preferred in classical music.
PlayingThe index, middle and fourth fingers of both hands are usually used to play the six hole bansuri. For the seven hole bansuri, the fifth finger (pinky) of the right hand is used for the last hole. The sound from a bansuri comes from resonance in the air column inside it. The length of this column can be varied by closing or opening the holes. At the same time, keeping a hole half open helps in getting a flat note. The 'sa' (on the Indian saptak scale or equivalent 'do' on the octave) note is obtained by covering the top three holes from the mouth-hole. The higher and lower octaves are played by changing one's embouchure. The flat portion of fingers and not the tips are used to cover the holes as this gives better control and ease while playing the half-holes. Famous Bansuri Players
Notes, References and Sources
Bansuri בנסורי Bansuri Banshrî Бансури |
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