Ananthar

Introduction: The name of this instrument translates as "Infinite Strings" and denotes the fact that it has a large number of strings (from 22 to 64) mostly tuned to a single pitch, whose strong resonance reflect the cosmic nature of sound.

It is a development of the "Kanon", the original monochord of the antique Greek Culture with which Pythagoras experimented and demonstrated the relationship of music and mathematics; this found expression in the 'law of proportions' (numbers and their correspondence to musical intervals) which reveals the inherent matrix of all natural phenomena and the structure of the macro-and micro-cosmos.

With the resurgence of an interest and approach to a synthesis of science and the old wisdom traditions in the last century in Europe the ancient knowledge reformulated itself in the 'Science of Harmonics', and young researchers and enthusiasts redesigned the old instrument and made it available for a new generation of music lovers and explorers into the 'nature of sound and reality'.

Approach and play: An important premise of this movement- 'Music for All' - is that sound-as it is found in every aspect of life (see the Indian concept of Nada Brahman which relates that all manifestation is a sound-creation)- should be available in its expression of music not only to the specialists and professionals but also for everyone who longs to enrich his or her life with the gift of music.

Therefore the instrument is constructed and approachable in a very simple manner allowing an immediate contact and experience with the magic and healing power of sound. The strings are gently touched, stroked, plucked, pulsated or hammered with sticks; the playing is as much an auditory as well as a tactile (through the sense of touch) experience and leaves many possibilities open according to the creativity and the spontaneity of the player.

Through the uniform tuning-people of all walks of life can learn the art of this through simple instructions or a natural ear for it-the inner dimension of sound, its rich spectrum of overtones reveals itself to the attentive and contemplative ear.

Application : It has been found that, even if the instrument in its different models is also used by professional musicians for 'atmospheric or exotic sound', a far wider application is opening up in the new contemplative and personal growth oriented culture of the 'New Age'. The Anantar can become a valuable friend and helper in the field of the Healing Arts, in meditation and free improvised play in solitude or in dedicated group settings.

Models, Variations and Accessior: As the concept of this instrument opens up a wide range of possibilities, there are different models and sizes available (male and female pitch, single sided with 22 strings, double sided with 36 strings) and variations (original zither type like Japanese Koto, and a 'Sound Healing Bed' the size of a massage table with 64 strings) are in development.

Psaltery
 The psaltery  in different shapes and sizes- had been used since ancient times as an accompaniment for the chanting voice in recitation and sacred incantations. It can be either plucked with the fingers or a plectrum, or even hammered with small strikers, similar to dulcimer like instruments. The bare, unaltered sound of the strings gives the psaltery a simple quality and brings the player in touch with the original mood of singing strings.
 

SvaraVeena ( Kantele)
 Originally the name veena was used for any kind of string instrument including different types of harps, zithers and lutes.

The SvaraVeeena (for which the Kantele, a Finnish folk zither lent its shape and playing method) represents a whole class of ancient and folk string-instruments wherein each string stands for a single note without the possibility of altering the string length and pitch through fingering or frets.

The seven stringed harp of Orpheus, the lyre of King David of the Old Testament, the Saptatantri-Veena of the Vedic priests, or the Yazh of the Tamil bards of yore and many of the first string instruments in different cultures share the same, often symbolically elaborated, configuration of a number of strings ( from 3,5,7,9,11 to 21 and more) - enhanced through diverse ways of resonators - with each one sounding a single note, manifesting the corresponding sphere and dimension of nature.

Consequently these instruments had an important place in sacred ceremonies and healing rituals as well in the laudation and beautification of life. Svaram had been keen to reintroduce this archetype of an original instrument and make it available for the mystic music lover and lay person, and offers the SvaraVeena as a first step in possible reconstructions and renewed utilization for personal growth, music pedagogy and therapy of these ancient instruments and harmony heralds.

Chinna Isai

This unique model of a bowed small psaltery came to us through a friend and instrument-builder from the Lac de Constance, Germany and attracts through a very sweet and touching sound. It consists of a simple carved resonator and metal, raised melody strings which are bowed with a simple, original bow made of bamboo and horse hair.

The tuning is pentatonic and has an immediate appeal to create one's own dream-music, playing the intimate chords of the heart.

Nidranantar (Sound Healing Bed)

This elaborately constructed instrument of the size of a massage table with 50 strings and more and a proportionally designed resonator opens a complete new gate of perception and experience of the healing and harmonising dimension of pure sound.

In a first experimental setting in the Quite Healing Centre (situated on the Coromandal coast) the Nidranantar is offering a unique healing sound-experience to many visitors and clients. Renate , a seasoned crystal and subtle energy healer, successfully integrated the instrument in her practise and admits that the impact of a sound treatment - administered with care and individual attention- has a deep harmonising effect and leaves the recipient without exception in a state of awe and gratitude.

After initial preparations as an appropriate 'tune-in' the receiving person lies on the upper surface of the resonating box and while the specially manufactured and carefully tuned strings attached to the bottom are gently played, the magic of the sound - in its rich spectrum of overtones- unfolds and envelops and penetrates, as it seems, every cell of the body. The inherent vibrational nature of our organism is tapped and set in motion and the experience of this 'altered state' of an intensified awareness throughout the body refreshens and nurtures the whole system of the mental-emotional-physical constitution and leaves an imprint of harmony and well being.

This instrument is available in prototype form and can be manufactured only through initial personal contact and special customised order and agreement.