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Surbahar Instrument Summary
The Surbahar is a traditional Indian string instrument, often referred to as the “bass sitar,” known for its deep, resonant sound and extended lower register. It typically has 20 to 24 strings, including melody, drone, and sympathetic strings, and is played with a plectrum called a “mizrab.” The surbahar is a key instrument in Hindustani classical music, admired for its ability to perform slow, intricate alap (improvisation) and its rich, sonorous tones.
Detailed Instrument Description
| Instrument Name | Surbahar |
| Instrument Family | String |
| Alternative Names | The surbahar is also known as the “bass sitar” due to its similar construction to the sitar but with a lower pitch range. |
| Geographical Presence | The surbahar is primarily played in North India, especially in regions where Hindustani classical music is prevalent. It is also known and respected globally, particularly among connoisseurs of Indian classical music. |
| Instrument Classification | The surbahar falls under the Hornbostel-Sachs classification system as 321.322, identifying it as a plucked lute chordophone. This system classifies musical instruments based on how they produce sound, with the surbahar classified as a chordophone where sound is produced by vibrating strings. |
| Unique Features | The surbahar is known for its large, elongated body, which is similar to but larger than that of a sitar. It typically has four main playing strings, four drone strings, and up to 15 sympathetic strings, which resonate to create a deep, layered sound. The surbahar’s fretboard is wider and longer than the sitar’s, allowing for greater depth in pitch and the execution of slow, intricate meends (slides). |
| Sound Characteristics | The surbahar produces a deep, resonant, and rich sound with a focus on the lower registers. Its tone is profound and meditative, making it ideal for the slow, elaborate alap sections of ragas in Indian classical music. The instrument’s extended range and sympathetic strings add a complex, reverberating quality to the sound, enhancing its expressive capabilities. |
| Typical Music Genres | The surbahar is used primarily in Hindustani classical music, particularly for dhrupad and alap performances. It is also featured in fusion music and sometimes in contemporary genres that incorporate Indian classical elements. |
| Components | Body, Neck, Fingerboard, Strings, Tuning Pegs, Mizrab (plectrum), Resonator |
| Construction | The surbahar typically has a wooden body made from teak or tun wood, with a resonator covered by a thin layer of wood or a gourd. The fingerboard is fitted with movable brass or wooden frets, which are tied with string and allow for microtonal adjustments. The strings are made of metal, with the main playing strings thicker to produce lower pitches, and the sympathetic strings thinner. The tuning pegs are used to adjust the pitch of each string, and the mizrab, a plectrum made of wire or metal, is used to pluck the strings. |
| Size and Weight | The surbahar generally measures around 130 to 150 centimeters (51 to 59 inches) in length. The weight can vary between 7 to 10 kilograms (15.4 to 22 pounds), depending on the materials used. |
| Variations and Customizations | Variations of the surbahar include differences in the number of sympathetic strings and the design of the body. Some surbahars are built with larger resonators for a deeper sound, while others might have more ornate inlays and carvings. Customizations might include the use of different woods, decorative inlays, and modifications to the size or shape of the resonator. |
| Instrument History | The surbahar was developed in the 19th century as an evolution of the sitar, intended to allow for slower, more elaborate renditions of ragas in the lower registers. It was designed to complement the sitar by providing a deeper, more resonant sound suitable for alap and dhrupad performances. The instrument has been a central part of Hindustani classical music, particularly in the context of slow, meditative performances. |
| Similar Types of Instrument | Sitar, Rudra Veena, Saraswati Veena |
| Playing Technique | The surbahar is played by sitting cross-legged on the floor with the instrument resting on the player’s left thigh and the resonator on the ground. The left hand presses the strings on the frets to produce different pitches, while the right hand uses the mizrab to pluck the strings. Techniques include meend (gliding between notes), gamak (rapid oscillation), and various rhythmic patterns. The use of sympathetic strings adds a rich harmonic texture to the music. |
| Notable Composers | Ustad Imdad Khan, Ustad Vilayat Khan, Annapurna Devi |
| Famous Works | Ustad Imdad Khan’s “Raga Yaman,” Ustad Vilayat Khan’s “Raga Darbari Kanada,” Annapurna Devi’s “Raga Kafi” |
| Maintenance | Regular maintenance includes cleaning the instrument, tuning the strings, and occasionally replacing strings. The surbahar should be kept in a case or on a stand to protect it from environmental changes and physical damage. Proper humidity levels should be maintained to prevent cracking of the wood or warping of the frets. |
| Learning Difficulty | High; requires significant coordination to manage different plucking and fretting techniques simultaneously. Learning proper hand positioning, raga structures, and rhythm cycles (tala) are essential for effective playing. |
| Prominent Players | Ustad Imrat Khan, Ustad Vilayat Khan, Annapurna Devi |
| Notable Performances | Notable performances include concerts by prominent surbahar players at major venues and festivals worldwide, such as the Dover Lane Music Conference in Kolkata. |
| Famous Orchestras/Bands | Prominent ensembles featuring the surbahar include the Maihar Gharana group and various fusion music groups that incorporate the surbahar into their compositions. |
| Price Range | Surbahars range from $1,000 to $6,000 or more, depending on the craftsmanship, materials, and features. |
