Monday 23 May 2011

EVER HEARD OF A DULCIMER, I HADN'T

Some years ago I was walking through a car park when I heard some music being played quite nearby. The music was coming from an estate car with its tail gate raised. There was a man playing a musical instrument of which I had not seen before. I asked what it was called and he said that it was called a Hammered Dulcimer and that this type of musical device has been played for at least 2,000 years. The sound that came from this instrument was really unusual but enchanting.  Myself I like Dance music--Rock--Trance--House and Classical music but after hearing this Dulcimer being played I must admit that I became an admirer of it's lovely sound. There is another type and it is called the Appalachian Dulcimer and its native to the Appalachian region of the United States.  I suppose this type of instrument isn't every ones cup of tea but I thought that it was worth a post just to let people hear a couple of examples of the Dulcimer.
Just remember that this instrument is way beyond medieval times and I suppose has an acquired taste. I know that the Guitar is ancient as well but this has changed in shape and sound over the centuries but as far as I know the Dulcimer has remained unchanged from its beginnings.


                                                                             
                                                                  
                                                                    

40 comments:

  1. sounds pretty much exactly like a piano to me, I'm having a hard time telling the difference.

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  2. I'm definitely sure I've heard these before. Not sure that I've ever known what they were called though. Pretty cool sounding though.

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  3. nop i havent either.. and they are not bad at all!

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  4. I love the sound of the hammered dulcimer! They used to sell them a music store around my area, but not anymore =(. They sound so Celtic!

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  5. Pachelbell´s Canon is one of my favorite classical melodies, but im not liking the sound on that instrument.

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  6. Can't believe I didn't know this existed.

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  7. I've heard the sound of this instrument before, but I had no idea what it looked like.

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  8. Never seen it in my life, but it does sound nice :)

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  9. Sweet, i've heard and seen these played, just never knew what they were called before.

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  10. I didn't know what this instrument was called before reading your article. Thanks for the info!

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  11. Whaaaa. is that it in the bottom video? Dulcimer?

    Sounds very medieval!

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  12. really enjoyed the instrumentals

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  13. It does sound kind of enchanting :)

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  14. Its a beautiful kind of music ;D

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  15. It has it's own sound. Eh, not my cup of tea, though. :P

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  16. id blast this shit too when im cruising around town

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  17. wow, what an interesting sound!

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  18. I sure have- Coleridge's poem "Kubla Khan"

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  19. Never heard of this thing before

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  20. i actually really like it!! =D

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  21. As cliche as it sounds, I love Pachelbell´s Canon. interesting interpretation.

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  22. Keep up the good work :) Because that is some awesome stuff =D

    My latest post might interest you too :)
    http://www.lmtyaboutthis.blogspot.com

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  23. Wow, the idea of removing the keys from a piano. I love this.

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  24. @ liquidelle - What kind of pianos have you heard? O_o

    Very enchanting indeed. Thanks for sharing!

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  25. That theme is amazing! loved it ;D

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