Week 12
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The following instruments have made their mark in movies, soundtracks, and music for years. This blog is essentially putting a face to a name… Or rather in this case, the face of an instrument to a sound you’re likely familiar with. In this top 3 list I have a stringed instrument, wind, and brass, so here are 3 ancient instruments you’ve likely never seen, but definitely have heard of.
Erhu, China, 19th Century
The Erhu is a two-stringed bowed musical instrument that originated in China and traces back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD) when it was called the “Xiqin” and was mainly used for court entertainment. As it grew in popularity through the Ming (1368-1644 AD) and Qing (1644-1911 AD) dynasties, it was often used in folk music and as an accompaniment for singing.
Today, the erhu remains an important instrument in Chinese music and culture, and its hauntingly beautiful sound continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
Here is a demonstration of the Erhu instrument in play:
This instrument was seen in Babylon! A movie by Damien Chazelle (Director of La la land) Here is a clip of the song from the movie:
Panpipes
Also known as syrinx or toyos is a musical instrument consisting of multiple pipes of varying lengths that are tied together side by side, creating different notes as air is forced through. It is traced back to ancient Greece, being named after the god Pan, who was often depicted playing it.
Similar instruments have actually been found in other cultures around the world, including South America, known as “zampoñas,” and in various parts of Africa and Asia. It’s believed that it was spread through cultural exchange and migration, hence its physical and tonal variations.
Today, it remains an important part of traditional music in many cultures, it varies in its forms from south America to ancient Greece, from Asia to Africa, and they are also used in contemporary modern music genres today.
The instrument can be seen with the gentleman on the right at minute 1:04
Cornu
The cornu, in addition to its beautiful sound, is a visually fascinating instrument. This is a wind instrument typically made of brass or bronze used in ancient Rome and took the shape of a large, curved horn. It was typically around 3 meters in length, with a flared horn at one end and a mouthpiece at the other. Below I’ve also included a clip of how it was played.
So the exact origins of the cornu are inconclusive, but it is believed to have been influenced by similar instruments used by a civilization that predated ancient Rome in central Italy. The cornu was likely introduced to the Roman military around the 4th century BC and was primarily used as a signal instrument to communicate orders during battles and marches.
It was also used in Roman music, particularly in outdoor performances and religious ceremonies. It was sometimes played in ensembles with other instruments, including trumpets and drums. The instrument’s distinctive sound was said to be heard from miles away, making it an effective way to communicate across long distances.
Today, it’s no longer really played, as other instruments have come in its place for convenience or preference but it is an important artifact of ancient Roman culture and military history.
The end! I noticed that each of these instruments has an eerie tone to them, incredible how an instrument can bring a mood that is entirely different depending on the ambiance. As for me, I associate the Erhu with the words peace and nature. The sound of the Panpipes with the word contemplation and reflection. The Cornu with triumph and fear. Did you have a particular favorite? What feelings or words came to mind upon hearing the 3 instruments?
Vivian is 23 years old, currently studying Digital Content Creation. She specializes in Digital Design & enjoys all forms of art.
She dedicates her time to creating her own forms of art and collaborating with other artists and individuals to execute art projects.