Saung
 Saùng-Gauk, 19th century | |
| String instrument | |
|---|---|
| Classification | String instrument (plucked) |
| Hornbostel–Sachs classification | 322
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| Related instruments | |
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The saung (Burmese: စောင်း, MLCTS caung: IPA: [sáʊɰ̃ɡaʊʔ]; also known as the saung-gauk (စောင်းကောက်), Burmese harp, Burma harp, or Myanmar harp), is an arched harp used in traditional Burmese music. The saung is regarded as a national musical instrument of Burma.[3] The saung is unique in that it is a very ancient harp tradition and is said to be the only surviving harp in Asia.[4][5]
The History Of Myanmar Harp
The saung gauk is a traditional Burmese musical instrument. It's a type of harp that dates back many centuries and has deep cultural significance in Myanmar. It was commonly used in traditional court music, religious ceremonies, and performances.
The saung gauk typically has 13 to 16 strings made from silk or nylon, and it's played by plucking the strings with the fingers. It's known for its intricate melodies and is often associated with classical Burmese music. The instrument has evolved over time, with variations in design and playing techniques.
Throughout history, the saung gauk has been mentioned in various historical texts, poems, and artworks, highlighting its role in Myanmar's cultural heritage. However, like many traditional arts, the saung gauk has faced challenges in preserving its legacy due to changing cultural and musical preferences.
In recent times, efforts have been made to revive and promote traditional Burmese music, including the saung gauk. Despite the challenges, the instrument continues to be a symbol of Myanmar's rich musical history and artistic expression.
See also
Notes
- ^ Sadie Stanley, ed. (1984). "T'na". The New Grove Dictionary of Musical Instruments. Vol. 3. Macmillan. p. 601
- ^ Sadie Stanley, ed. (1984). "Na den". The New Grove Dictionary of Musical Instruments. Vol. 2. Macmillan. p. 736
- ^ "Myanmar - Burmese harp (saung-gauk)". Royal Collection Trust. Retrieved 8 March 2023.
- ^ Miller, Terry E. and Sean Williams. The Garland handbook of Southeast Asian music. Routledge, 2008. ISBN 0-415-96075-4
- ^ However the site Harp History site mentions that a similar instrument, called (according to the site) the pin nam tao, whose picture is shown on the site, is played in Thailand today, the main difference being (according to the site) that the Burmese arched harp has 13 strings while the Thai arched harp has 15 strings. (In fact the picture purported to be that of the Burmese arched harp on the site shows an instrument with 16 strings and that of the purported Thai arched harp an instrument with 14 strings )
References
- Muriel C. Williamson (2000). The Burmese Harp: Its Classical Music, Tunings, and Modes. Northern Illinois University Center for Southeast Asian Studies.
External links
Audio
- The Burmese Saung Sample – Sample song clip of Burmese saung
General
- The Burmese Saung Gauk – includes a picture, information, and a sample song
- A Brief History of Saung – Saung History by Myanmar-Image
- Harp History site
- Burmese Harp – the post-1960s saùng-gauk at the University of Michigan Museum of Art