Krsna Kirtana Songs est.
2001 www.kksongs.org
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Shehnai
The shehnai is a quadruple
reeded instrument played in grand and auspicious
events. It is assumed that its origin came from Persia, as the name can be
interpreted as the nai (Arabic flute) of the shah
(Persian ruler or emperor). Other sources have interpreted the origin of the shehnai being a refined version of the snake charmer (pungi or bin).
Throughout history, the shehnai
gained respect as a classical instrument. Unlike many of the classical
instruments of North India, the shehnai has a drone shehnai played constantly, instead of a tanpura.
Like the bansuri, the shehnai
artist will have a backup shehnai player playing
whenever the main artist takes small breaks. As far as the rhythmic
accompaniment is concerned, the nagara is considered
the prime choice, despite its lack of classical attributes. Sometimes, a mix
between tabla and nagara is
implemented or even dholak is used.
UPDATED: March 12, 2012