The Beauty of Nepali Folk Music Instrumental

Nepali folk music is some of the most beautiful and evocative music in the world. The intricate melodies and rhythms of the folk instruments are truly captivating. In this blog post, we’ll explore the beauty of Nepali folk music instrumental.

Introduction

Nepali folk music is the traditional music of Nepal. It is often based on love and nature, and uses a variety of instruments. The most common Nepali folk music instruments are the madal, sarangi, flute, and tabla.

The Various Types of Folk Music Instruments

Nepali folk music has been around for centuries and has been passed down from generation to generation. The music is an important part of the Nepali culture and is used for various occasions. There are many different types of folk music instruments that are used in Nepali folk music. These instruments include the sarangi, flute, sitar, tabla, and more.

The Sarangi

The sarangi is a folk music instrument from Nepal. It is a string instrument with a beautiful sound. Sarangis are made from different materials, such as wood, metal, or even plastic. They come in different sizes, from small to large. Sarangis have a long neck and four strings. The strings are tuned to different notes, which gives the sarangi its unique sound. Sarangis are played with a bow, and the player uses their fingers to hold the strings down on the neck of the instrument.

The Dotara

The Dotara is a popular folk music instrument from Nepal. It is a type of two-stringed lute, and is played with a bow. The Dotara is popular in the eastern and northeastern parts of Nepal, as well as in Sikkim and Darjeeling in India. The Dotara has a resonating chamber made from a hollow gourd, and typically has two or fourstrings. The Dotara is used to play a variety of music genres, including folk, devotional, and classical music.

The Madal

The madal is a folk music instrument from Nepal. It is a percussion instrument that is usually played with the hands. The madal has a drumhead that is made of laminated goat skin, and the body is made of wood. The madal is used to play a variety of music, including Nepali folk music, and it is also used in religious ceremonies.

The Sarangi

The sarangi is a folk music instrument from Nepal. It is a string instrument with a bow, and it is played by finger-plucking the strings. The sarangi has a deep, rich sound, and it is often used in traditional Nepali music.

The Dholak

The Dholak is a barrel-shaped two-headed hand drum from the North of India, Pakistan and Nepal. It is usually made of wood, with one cylindrical drumhead at each end. The drumheads are usually made of processed animal skin. The left head is slightly smaller than the right and has a higher pitch. The right head is lower in pitch and provides the bass for the instrument. The player can produce a variety of sounds on the dholak by striking the heads with their hands or sticks, or by using a variety of different playing techniques.

The dholak is a very versatile instrument and can be used to play a wide range of music, from traditional folk music to modern Bollywood songs. It is also commonly used in devotional music and Sufi qawwali music.

The Different Styles of Folk Music

Nepali folk music is incredibly beautiful, and it comes in many different styles. Each style has its own distinct sound, and they all come together to create a truly unique experience. The different styles of Nepali folk music include: Panche Baja, Jyapu, Khampa, and Tamang Selo.

The Jyapu Style

The Jyapu style is the most commonly heard type of folk music in Nepal. It is characterized by its use of traditional instruments like the madal (a barrel-shaped drum), sarangi (a bowed string instrument), and flute. The music is often upbeat and lively, making it perfect for dancing.

The Newar Style

The Newar people are the indigenous people of the Kathmandu valley. Newar music is very rich and diverse, with over 1,000 different songs and musical genres. The most popular type of Newar music is called “Dohori”, which is a folk duet usually involving a boy and a girl.

Other popular genres of Newar music include “Saptahik” (weekly), “Chutney” (songs for special occasions), and “Tamasha” (a type of street theatre). The “Taalman gaya”, a three-stringed instrument, is the most popular instrument used in Newar music.

Newar music has been influenced by Hindustani classical music, as well as by the music of other ethnic groups in Nepal.

The Magar Style

The Magar people are an ethnic group indigenous to Nepal. They have their own unique style of folk music, which is characterized by the use of the Magar language and a variety of traditional instruments. The Magar style is particularly popular in the western part of Nepal, and it is often performed at weddings and other special occasions.

The Tamang Style

The Tamang Style is one of the most commonly used styles in folk music. It is characterized by its use of TAMBOUR, which is a percussion instrument. It is also characterized by its use of Fiddle, Bass, and Drums. The Tamang style is also known for its use of Nepali folk instruments such as the Mandatory, Dholak, and Sarangi.

The Influence of Folk Music on Modern Music

The folk music of Nepal is as diverse as its people. The music is an expression of the Nepali people’s culture and identity. It is also a reflection of the country’s history and geography. The folk music of Nepal has a rich tradition and is an important part of the country’s heritage.

The Sarangi in Modern Music

The sarangi is a Nepali folk music instrument that has been gaining popularity in recent years. Folk musicians have long been using the sarangi to create beautiful, soulful music. However, it wasn’t until recently that the sarangi started to gain popularity among modern musicians.

The sarangi is a string instrument that is played with a bow. It has a mellow, haunting sound that is perfect for creating an atmosphere of relaxation or introspection. The sarangi is often used in devotional music, as its soothing sound is perfect for creating a spiritual atmosphere.

Many modern musicians are starting to discover the beauty of the sarangi and are incorporating it into their own music. The sarangi’s unique sound is perfect for creating ambient or chill-out music. The instrument is also being used in many different genres of music, including rock and pop.

If you’re looking for an instrument that can add a new dimension to your music, then the sarangi may be the perfect choice for you.

The Dotara in Modern Music

The Dotara is a traditional folk music instrument of Nepal. It is very popular in the Terai region of Nepal. The Dotara is also known as Duitara, Dutaro or Dutari. It is a long-necked two or four stringed instrument. The Dotara is mostly used in traditional music but in recent years, it has also been used in modern music.

The Dotara has a very important role in Nepali music. It is used in many different genres of music including folk, classical, and modern. The Dotara has a very distinctive sound that sets it apart from other instruments. It is often used as the lead instrument in a band or orchestra.

The Dotara is usually made from wood but can also be made from other materials such as aluminum or plastic. The neck of the Dotara is usually made from bamboo or wood. The body of the Dotara is hollow and has a round shape. Thestrings of the Dotara are made from steel wire or gut.

The Dotara is played with the help of a bow. The player holds the bow in his left hand and plucks the strings with his right hand. The player can also play the Dotara with his fingers without using a bow.

The sound of the Dotara depends on various factors such as the type of wood used, the length of the neck, the size of the body, and the tension of the strings.

The Madal in Modern Music

The madal is a traditional Nepali folk instrument that has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years. Often used as an accompaniment to traditional singing, the madal is also commonly used in modern music.

The madal has a distinct sound that can be recognized instantly, and its unique tone has made it a popular choice for use in modern music. The madal is often used to add an interesting element to a song, and its distinctive sound can make even the most modern songs sound more Nepali.

The madal is also a popular choice for use in film and television scores. The unique sound of the madal can add an element of authenticity to any scene set in Nepal, and its use in film scores often helps to create an immersive experience for viewers.

Conclusion

The music of Nepal is as varied and diverse as its many ethnic groups and cultures. From the classical music of the Newars to the folk music of the Sherpas, there is a rich tradition of music in Nepal.

Nepali folk music is particularly beautiful, with its complex rhythms and melodies. The traditional instruments are also fascinating, from the long-necked sarangi to the intricate mandalas.

With its rich musical tradition, Nepal is a country that is definitely worth exploring for music lovers.