Nagaswaram

into which is inserted a small metallic cylinder (called "Kendai") which carries the mouthpiece made of reed. Besides spare reeds, a small ivory or horn needle is attatched to the Nagaswaram.
This needle is used to clear the mouthpiece of saliva particles and allows the free passage of air. A metallic bell (called "Keezh anaichu") decorates the bottom. The Nagaswaram has seven finger-holes. There are five addiditional holes drilled at the bottom which are used as contollers. The Nagaswaram has a range of two and a half octaves like the flute. The system of fingering is similar to that of the flute. But unlike the flute, where semi and quarter tones are produced by the partial opening and closing of the finger holes, in the Nagaswaram they are produced by adjusting the pressure and strength of the air-flow into the pipe. Hence it is a very exacting instrument. Also, due to its intense volume and strength it is basically an outdoor instrument and much more suited for open spaces than for closed indoor concert situations.

Themes > Arts > Music > Musical Instruments > Musical Instruments of South Asia> Nagaswaram
Click on photo for 140K WAV 140K AIFF sound file		Belongs to the woodwind family known as a "Mangala Vadya" (lit. "mangala" means auspicious, vadya - instrument) since it is played in temples, processions, festivals and auspicious occasions like marraiges, etc. It is a double reed instrument with a conical bore which gradually enlarges toward the lower end. It is usually made of a type of ebony.The top portion has a metal staple (called "Mel Anaichu")
into which is inserted a small metallic cylinder (called "Kendai") which carries the mouthpiece made of reed. Besides spare reeds, a small ivory or horn needle is attatched to the Nagaswaram. This needle is used to clear the mouthpiece of saliva particles and allows the free passage of air. A metallic bell (called "Keezh anaichu") decorates the bottom. The Nagaswaram has seven finger-holes. There are five addiditional holes drilled at the bottom which are used as contollers. The Nagaswaram has a range of two and a half octaves like the flute. The system of fingering is similar to that of the flute. But unlike the flute, where semi and quarter tones are produced by the partial opening and closing of the finger holes, in the Nagaswaram they are produced by adjusting the pressure and strength of the air-flow into the pipe. Hence it is a very exacting instrument. Also, due to its intense volume and strength it is basically an outdoor instrument and much more suited for open spaces than for closed indoor concert situations.