KERALA MUSICS
Chenda
The most important percussion instrument of Kerala. It is widely used in festivals and equally popular in many folk as well a classical performance. Its two faces are covered with animal skin. One face produces a bass tone and the other a treble tone.The drummer hangs it vertically from his neck and strikes the upper parchment with two sticks held in both hands to produce a booming, heart- throbbing rhythm.It is generally construed as an ‘Asuravadya’, probably because of its importancein Thandava dance movements.
Edakka
A small hourglass shaped drum, both sides covered with parchment.Its four wooden sticks, inserted into the side strings, represent the four Vedas, and the 64 coloured handing woolen balls symbolize the 64 arts.The Eddakka is a percussion instrument, which creates tonal nuances,adding depth to Sopana Sangeetham, the ritual temple music of kerala.
Maddalam
A double headed drum, tied horizontally at the waist and played with both palms Maddalam is a major ingredient in the Panchavadyam ensemble.It is also used along with Chenda in Kathakali, and exclusively in Mohiniattam and Krishanattam. Its solo playing highlights the lasya effect.
Kompu
Originally made from the horn of a bull, the Kompu is today made of brass.This C-shaped wind instrument is capable of being played in three different tones. Its shrill blare is distinctive. Accompaniment to percussion recitals and creates a celebrative mood.
Pulluvakkudam
A stringed instrument played by the women of the Pulluva Community, who are devotees of the serpent Gods. It is used as accompanying rhythm to the music of Veenakkunhu in Serpent songs. The string is fixed to a pot covered with the skin of a cow. The other end is tied to a small piece of wood held firmly on the ground by the foot of the player, who plucks the string with a striker.
Mizhavu
This is percussion instrument used in Koothu and Koodiyattom.It is a pot made of copper, the mouth of which is covered with goat skin.The skin is soaked and tied very tightly at the mouth, and when it gets dried, it creates a high tone. A hole is put on the side of the copper vessel,which helps the instrument to resonate.
Elathalam
In all percussion ensembles, Elathalam plays a major role in keeping the basic timing.It consists of two heavy pieces made of bell-metal, which resoundsharply when struck together. It is used in almost all performing art forms like Krishnanattanm, Mudiyettu etc.
Kurumkuzhal
The kurukuzhal is one of the few traditional wind instruments of Kerala.Traditionally used as an accompanying instrument in processions,it is the forerunner of the present day full-fledged ‘Nadaswaram’ and can produce beautiful musical phrases to enrich the rhythm ensemble.
Thimila
A major instrument in panchavadyam, a popular percussion ensemble of Kerala.This is and hourglass shaped drum, hung around the drummer’s left shoulder.The Thimila is played only on one side, with both palms.
Veenakkunju
The Veenakkunju is used by the pulluva tribe, the traditional singersat the sacred groves attached to the wood of the village homes.This is in the shape of a Violin and is made of teak or the wood of the jackfruit tree.The string is made of a creeper found in the groves known as ‘Parvally’ (Nagachittamruthu). It has a mesmerizing musical effect with poignant melodies.
Nanthuni
This is a 4 feet long and 25 inches wide wooden instrument with 2 strings of plucking veriety. It is used in musical forms like Thamburan pattu (Thiruananthapuram District)
and Mannar Pattu (Thrissur District). It is plucked with a striker creating both drone and rhythm.
Duff
An essential accompaniment in Muslim religious functions and weddings. This hand-held percussion instrument with round shape has a single face made of goat skin. It is struck with the fingers and palm in synchronized beats to create exquisite rhythmic patterns.
Chenda
The most important percussion instrument of Kerala. It is widely used in festivals and equally popular in many folk as well a classical performance. Its two faces are covered with animal skin. One face produces a bass tone and the other a treble tone.The drummer hangs it vertically from his neck and strikes the upper parchment with two sticks held in both hands to produce a booming, heart- throbbing rhythm.It is generally construed as an ‘Asuravadya’, probably because of its importancein Thandava dance movements.
Edakka
A small hourglass shaped drum, both sides covered with parchment.Its four wooden sticks, inserted into the side strings, represent the four Vedas, and the 64 coloured handing woolen balls symbolize the 64 arts.The Eddakka is a percussion instrument, which creates tonal nuances,adding depth to Sopana Sangeetham, the ritual temple music of kerala.
Maddalam
A double headed drum, tied horizontally at the waist and played with both palms Maddalam is a major ingredient in the Panchavadyam ensemble.It is also used along with Chenda in Kathakali, and exclusively in Mohiniattam and Krishanattam. Its solo playing highlights the lasya effect.
Kompu
Originally made from the horn of a bull, the Kompu is today made of brass.This C-shaped wind instrument is capable of being played in three different tones. Its shrill blare is distinctive. Accompaniment to percussion recitals and creates a celebrative mood.
Pulluvakkudam
A stringed instrument played by the women of the Pulluva Community, who are devotees of the serpent Gods. It is used as accompanying rhythm to the music of Veenakkunhu in Serpent songs. The string is fixed to a pot covered with the skin of a cow. The other end is tied to a small piece of wood held firmly on the ground by the foot of the player, who plucks the string with a striker.
Mizhavu
This is percussion instrument used in Koothu and Koodiyattom.It is a pot made of copper, the mouth of which is covered with goat skin.The skin is soaked and tied very tightly at the mouth, and when it gets dried, it creates a high tone. A hole is put on the side of the copper vessel,which helps the instrument to resonate.
Elathalam
In all percussion ensembles, Elathalam plays a major role in keeping the basic timing.It consists of two heavy pieces made of bell-metal, which resoundsharply when struck together. It is used in almost all performing art forms like Krishnanattanm, Mudiyettu etc.
Kurumkuzhal
The kurukuzhal is one of the few traditional wind instruments of Kerala.Traditionally used as an accompanying instrument in processions,it is the forerunner of the present day full-fledged ‘Nadaswaram’ and can produce beautiful musical phrases to enrich the rhythm ensemble.
Thimila
A major instrument in panchavadyam, a popular percussion ensemble of Kerala.This is and hourglass shaped drum, hung around the drummer’s left shoulder.The Thimila is played only on one side, with both palms.
Veenakkunju
The Veenakkunju is used by the pulluva tribe, the traditional singersat the sacred groves attached to the wood of the village homes.This is in the shape of a Violin and is made of teak or the wood of the jackfruit tree.The string is made of a creeper found in the groves known as ‘Parvally’ (Nagachittamruthu). It has a mesmerizing musical effect with poignant melodies.
Nanthuni
This is a 4 feet long and 25 inches wide wooden instrument with 2 strings of plucking veriety. It is used in musical forms like Thamburan pattu (Thiruananthapuram District)
and Mannar Pattu (Thrissur District). It is plucked with a striker creating both drone and rhythm.
Duff
An essential accompaniment in Muslim religious functions and weddings. This hand-held percussion instrument with round shape has a single face made of goat skin. It is struck with the fingers and palm in synchronized beats to create exquisite rhythmic patterns.
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