Scimitar Drum: A Percussion Odyssey
Have you ever heard of the scimitar drum? It’s a unique percussion instrument known for its distinctive crescent shape. But there’s a lot more to this drum than just its cool look. The scimitar drum has an ancient history and requires great skill to master.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into the world of scimitar drums. You’ll learn about their origins, how they’re made, and the techniques used to play them. By the end, you’ll have a new appreciation for this fascinating instrument and the artists who have perfected its sound.
Origins of the Scimitar Drum
The scimitar drum, also known as the kanjira or khanjiri, comes from the rich musical traditions of South Asia. It’s believed to have originated over 500 years ago in what is now southern India. Some stories say the drum was invented by the Nadar people, a community known for their work as traders and palmyra palm climbers.
The unique shape of the drum is said to be inspired by the curved scimitar swords used by warriors of that time and place. But the drum was used for art and spirituality, not violence. It was first played in Hindu and Buddhist temple rituals, and later became a key part of the Carnatic music tradition that thrives today.
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Making a Scimitar Drum
True scimitar drums are handcrafted works of art. Making one takes great patience and skill passed down through generations. Most are made from jackfruit wood, carefully selected for its density and tonal quality. Artisans spend days shaving and sanding the wood into a precise circle that tapers along the edges.
The drumhead is made from a goat or monitor lizard skin that has been cured to the perfect thinness. It is stretched and glued over the wide front opening of the drum. Metal rings called korvais are set into the wood around the head to hold it tightly in place.
Small coins or shakers are sometimes inserted into slits along the sides of the drum. When the head is struck, these jingle to add another layer to the sound. Finally, two goatskin support straps are tied to give the player a way to hold the drum and adjust the tension.
How to Play the Scimitar Drum
Playing the scimitar drum takes immense hand control and precision. Drummers sit cross-legged and balance the drum sideways in their lap, holding it steady with their ankles and support hand. They strike the drumhead in the center and along the sides using their fingers, palms, and fingernails.
The narrow edge of the drum is the main target. Players alternate rapid strokes on either side of the center to create characteristic rhythms and variations in pitch. The wider end of the drumhead is used for accents and deeper bass tones. Controlling the tension of the head with the support hand allows for additional improvisations.
It takes years of practice and discipline to master all the traditional drum strokes and patterns. Great players make it look effortless, but their hands are a blur of speed and exactitude. They can play many different rhythms, or talas, that cycle over 3 to 128 beats and define the structure of a musical piece.
Scimitar Drums in an Ensemble
In Carnatic classical music, the scimitar drum is part of an ensemble along with melody and drone instruments. It serves as a secondary percussion instrument or “shadow drum” supporting the lead drummer who plays the mridangam double-barrel drum. The khanjiri mirrors the rhythms of the mridangam, adding texture and improvising flourishes on top.
Playing scimitar drum in an ensemble requires intense listening and coordination skills. Drummers must match the mridangam stroke for stroke while finding openings to insert their own inspired patterns and accents. These brief solo runs are like little stories within the larger tale of the rhythmic cycle.
Legendary Scimitar Drummers
Over the centuries, certain scimitar drummers have risen to legendary status for their virtuosity and innovation. Sri T.R. Harihara Sharma was a celebrated drummer in the early 20th century known for his complex mathematical approach to rhythm. His son T.R. Sundaresan became a famous drummer and teacher who updated the instrument and playing style.
Today, Padma Shri Dr. S. Kasi Viswanathan is considered one of the greatest living scimitar drummers. His speed, precision, and creative melodies are unrivaled. He has performed around the world and worked to increase appreciation for the instrument, presenting lectures and workshops to the next generation.
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Experience the Magic
Listening to a master percussionist playing scimitar drum is a breathtaking experience. The rhythms are intricate and hypnotic, telling a story through sound and time. The best players balance technical prowess with pure joy, smiling as their hands fly across the drumhead.
If you ever have a chance to attend a Carnatic music performance, make a special effort to focus on the khanjiri player. Watch their hands closely and try to follow the rhythmic cycles. It’s like seeing a language you don’t understand, but still grasping the emotion and artistry behind it. You’ll be amazed by the centuries of tradition and thousands of hours of practice poured into every beat.
An Instrument Unjustly Overlooked
Despite its integral role in Carnatic music, the scimitar drum is often overshadowed by the more prominent mridangam and melody instruments like the veena and violin. Many audience members don’t pay close attention to the khanjiri or truly appreciate the skill involved in playing it.
But true fans and scholars know that the scimitar drummer is the unsung hero of the ensemble. Without their unwavering tala and mathematical genius, the whole group would fall apart. The khanjiri anchors the collective improvisation and adds a shimmer that brings everything to life. It deserves to be celebrated as an essential ingredient in the magic of South Asian music.
Keeping the Tradition Alive
Sadly, the art of making and playing scimitar drums is at risk as the modern world encroaches. Fewer young people are choosing to dedicate their lives to mastering this challenging and beautiful instrument. Cheap mass-produced drums are replacing the lovingly handcrafted ones. The intricate patterns and rhythmic systems are being lost along with the great gurus who stewarded them.
But there is hope on the horizon. Some young musicians are working hard to preserve the legacy of the scimitar drum for future generations. Music academies in India and beyond are adding khanjiri lessons to their curriculums. Instrument makers are passing on their secrets to promising apprentices. Fusion bands are incorporating the drum into new musical contexts.
With more exposure and support, the scimitar drum tradition can not only survive but thrive. New players will emerge to push the boundaries of what’s possible on this ancient instrument. New audiences will discover the thrill of its complex rhythms. The scimitar drum will take its rightful place in the spotlight – a crescent moon shining bright in the vast constellation of world music.
Conclusion
In the hands of a master, the scimitar drum is a thing of wonder. Its precise rhythms and textures can tell elaborate tales, channel the divine, and expand our understanding of musical time. This culturally treasured instrument deserves wider appreciation and preservation for its irreplaceably exquisite sound.
Next time you encounter a scimitar drum in person or online, give it your full attention. Let your ears savor its delicate complexity. Let your mind absorb the mathematics flowing from gifted fingers. Let your spirit soar with the joyous physical power of rhythm inherent in the humble wooden crescent.
The scimitar drum is a gem waiting to be discovered by the world. Its ancient origins, meticulous craftsmanship, and lightning-speed artistry set it apart in the global orchestra. With more awareness and support, this drum and its players can continue sharing their timeless rhythms of precision for centuries to come. The journey of this magnificent drum is still unfolding, one beat at a time.