Hungarian Heritage Review, 1987 (16. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)

1987-08-01 / 8. szám

^Hungarian Arts anb (Grafte

CIMBALOM

(Cimbalom)

A musical instrument of manor houses and even in churches, its name first appeared in the 15th century. There are different sizes to the cimbalom, the smaller portable types with carrying straps and the larger ones made into a table-like module with its own legs. The metal strings are played on with carved sticks, bare at its curved tips although some have cotton wrapped around it. It is usually a melodic instrument at orchestras and ensembles of both the nobles and peasants but also served as a solo instrument.

The Toroksip was originally called the ‘tarogato’ or ‘military pipe' when used in the Kurucs camps in Hungary. Together with the bass drum, it was popular for dances in Transylvania during the 17th and 18th centuries. Today, it is mainly used in the Balkans by the Turks and the Arabs.

KÖCSŐGDUDA

(Jughorn)

This peculiar instrument consists of a large jug covered with goat or sheep skin and string tightened on the sides. There is a hole in the middle of the skin, tight enough to allow the movement of a narrow stick. The stick is moved up and down to create unique sound of percussion. Used in Western Hungary, the jughorn usually goes with the furulya and the citera at 'jam' sessions.

CITERA (Zither)

The citera was widely used from the 11th and 12th century as a solo or as a backup instrument. It is still used widely in the countrysides in small villages and in the fields. Its distinct ‘pinging' string-sound effect is unmistakable from other instruments.

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AUGUST 1987

HUNGARIAN HERITAGE REVIEW

29

V (TŐRÓKSIP) (Oboe-like shawm)