The kuzhal is a traditional double reed wind instrument used in the south Indian state of Kerala. It is similar in construction to a nagaswaram or a large shehnai, and has a very shrill and penetrating tone.
Kuzhal is used primarily used as an accompaniment for chenda-led ensembles Panchari Melam and Pandi Melam, where the piper plays the anchor role. However, as prelude to melams, it is also used to present solo concert (with a couple of accompanying instruments), in which case it is called Kuzhal Pattu.
The instrument has a wooden body with a conical bore, at the end of which is affixed a brass bell. The player, who is almost always male, blows through a double reed and closes small holes with both hands.
See also
|
Double reed instruments |
|
| (also includes those with quadruple and sextuple reeds; does not include bagpipes) |
|
| European classical (modern) |
|
|
| European classical (historical) |
|
|
| African traditional |
|
|
| Asian traditional |
|
|
| European traditional |
|
|
| American traditional |
|
|
This entry is from Wikipedia, the leading user-contributed encyclopedia. It may not have been reviewed by professional editors (see full disclaimer)
