Strings fantasy with the cimbalom. We dive into the colourful world of the cimbalom.
The Dutch call it a hakkebord. The rest of the world calls it a hammered dulcimer, cimbalom or santoor. It ‘s a trapezoid string instrument which is played using felt hammers or clappers. The ethereal, vibrating ringing of this citer has inspired contemporary composers in the whole of the twentieth century. The exotic sound of the cimbalom can be heard in the works of Igor Stravinsky and Dutchman Louis Andriessen. The American composer Dan Joseph even writes special electro-acoustisc ambient for the hammered dulcimer.
Playlist:
1. Igor Stravinsky: ‘Ragtime for 11 instruments’ (1918) for cimbalom and chamber ensemble, on Stravinsky Conducts Stravinsky. Columbia Chamber Ensemble + Toni Koves (cimbalom) conducted by Igor Stravinsky. Sony 5033172 9 CD-Box
2. Dan Joseph: ‘Dulcimer Flight (Corvallis)’ (2013) op Dan Joseph – Electroacoustic Works. Dan Joseph (hammered dulcimer + electronics) XI records XI138 2CD
3. Igor Stravinsky: ‘Renard – Histoire burlesque chantée et jouée’ (1916) for two tenors, bass, cimbalom and chamber ensemble, on Stravinsky Conducts Stravinsky. Columbia Chamber Ensemble, George Shirley & Loren Driscoll (tenors), William Murphy (bass) + Toni Koves (cimbalom) conducted by Igor Stravinsky. Sony 5033172 9 CD-Box
4. Louis Andriessen: ‘Mausoleum’ (1979/1981) for two baritones and orchestra. Charles van Tassel + David Barick (baritones) and the Asko Schönberg ensemble conducted by Reinbert de Leeuw. Donemus CV20 CD
5. Glenn Branca: ‘Slow Mass’ from Symphony No. 2 (The Peak of the Sacred) (1982) for ensemble with mallet guitars and drums, op Branca – Symphony No. 2. Glenn Branca Ensemble + Z’ev (percussie) conducted by Glenn Branca. Atavistic ALP05 CD
6. Dan Joseph: ‘Dulcimer Flight (EI)’ (2013) on Dan Joseph – Electroacoustic Works. Dan Joseph (hammered dulcimer + electronics) XI records XI138 2CD
