Sounding Bars

In this section of melody instruments Svaram is experimenting with and producing a range of assembled tuned bars, plates and pipes of diverse materials.

Inspired by the original "Jala-tarang"(water-waves), an assortment of vessels filled with different quantities of water to produce the various pitches which is played in a flow of energetic rhythmic-melodic waves - a vast field of explorations in sounding and tune-able materials is opening up for the young team. From the traditional Xylophone made of wood, and the original Bamboophone, there is a variety of Metallophones, the surprisingly beautiful sounding bars of the Glassophone and then of course the unique development of the Lithophones (see under: Singing Stones), all played with selected mallets and beaters offer a way for everybody to explore simple melodies and rhythmic patterns.
 

Glassophone: Glass instruments have a centuries old tradition due to the attraction of the very unique sound quality. From the simple rubbing of the edge of a crystal glass, to intricate configured glass harmonicas and -harps for which even great composers like Mozart, Beethoven and Strauss were writing compositions the fine sound of glass stimulates the listeners fantasy.
As the result of some first experimentation Svaram manages to bring this unique feature, in the form of a set of tuned bars, to the contemplative listener's attention.
 

Metallophone: The range of metal bar instruments is wide, from the simple 'Glockenspiel' for pre-school children to the large vibraphones of symphonic orchestras.
The clear, crystal-like sound attracts the ear of the child and adult alike.
Svaram is mainly focusing on the technical advantage of very precise pitch control and the application of all possible tunings. Different models are available from single tuned bars to sets of two chromatic octaves with resonators.
 

Xylophone: Literally meaning: "the voice of wood", these instruments are found in many countries of the African continent and south-east Asia and are now common, through introduction into the field of music education and orchestral music, virtually all over the world.
From the simplest form of an Amadinda (bare, tuned wooden bars), to selected sets of hardwood with pipe resonators and assemblies on box resonators the xylophones come in various tunings (mostly pentatonic), often customer designed and specifically ordered.
 

Bamboophone: Bamboo appears as one of the natural sound makers, from the rustling of its leaves and the whistling of open stalks to the cracking sound of its rapid growing movement. In a set of tuned bars it reveals the charm of a romantic, natural tonal character.