Shelemay, K. K. (2017). Sound: The materials of music. In K.K. Shelemay (Au.). Soundscapes: Exploring Music in a Changing World. Ch.1. Pp. 26-76. New York: W. W. Norton & Company Inc.
The first instrument I have chosen to listen to is the Ethiopian Lyre. I chose it cause I was intrigued, I have never heard of it and was curious on it sounded. Going into it I was expecting something the represented a a guitar, but the tone colour and pitch were all completely different. As I listened to the Ethiopian Lyre in concert, I was consumed by what felt like a great darkness, it was dark and vibrated in a way that made my skin crawl. This really showed me why the krar was also known as the devils instrument. As I continued to listen it began to remind me of something less dark and more electronic. The sound of the Lyre reminded me of the sounds tesla coils make when they create music. The tone colour and quality was almost exactly like tesla coils when a current runs trhough them to electrify the air and create an explosion which creates sound. First impressions are always tricky, but as I continued to listen I began to realize it was almost therapeutic and calming. I have learned that their culture is filled with many repeating ideas and the instrument was probably used for religious events because it was not to distracting and had a very defining sound. The second instrument I chose was the zither, a flat body instrument where strings are attached parallel to the body. This instrument was commonly used in east Asia. I chose this instrument because reading the textbook i had very little sense of what it was. It seemed interesting and I was intrigued. Listening to the instrument brought me to a sense of peace. It has a very zen and light sound to it which almost sound like you're floating. The instrument can be plucked and strummed, and as the artist combined to along with a bit of vibrato, it reels you in, taking over your body telling you to relax. I have learned that this culture played a lot of their music to help find peace of mind and relaxation. The music is a true example of what it means to be one with yourself and it completely takes over your body. The way the instrument pushes and pulls like the moon and the tide is quite remarkable. This instrument really shows you how to relax and slow down in life. The zither has truly shown me what music meant to their culture
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