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A long-scale vichtra veena variant invented by Raza Kazim in the 1970s, and kept alive today by his daughter Noor Zehra
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—Noor Zehra Kazim (Darbari)—
“The current version of the Sagar Veena (‘string instrument of the ocean’), having passed through seven prototypes, is a product of the dynamic research and experimentation carried out by Raza Kazim since 1970…who received the cooperation of his daughter Noor Zehra in practically testing its potential, and [input from] the instrument-maker Mohammed Riaz. The objective is to provide a rich, extensive palette of musical sounds and timbres, evoking different kinds and degrees of pleasure [with] new dimensions, nuances, and shades…The underlying concept is that the artist should be able to think and create music in terms of dynamic-layered timbres and resonances – their subtle variations…is where the main potential of music lies. It consists of 9 playing strings and 2 drones, a wooden bridge with silver jawari, and a soundboard. The 9 playing strings are a combination of the three asthans of Indian music [mandra–madhya–taar]. The technique resembles that of the vichtra veena, [by] sliding a crystal ball across the strings and simultaneously plucking with a plectrum…” (Sanjan Nagar Institute of Philosophy & Arts)
—More Info—
- Sa pitch: Noor Zehra, the instrument’s only living exponent, seems to prioritise C# [see my Survey of Sa Tunings for more].
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–Survey of Sa tunings–
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George Howlett is a London-based musician, writer, and teacher (guitars, sitar, tabla, & santoor). Above all I seek to enthuse fellow sonic searchers, interconnecting fresh vibrations with the voices, cultures, and passions behind them. See Homepage for more, and hit me up for Lessons!
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