A Kora is a twenty one string lute
bridge harp used primarily in West Africa. Made of gourd, leather, and wood, the Kora is one of the more complex string
instruments found in Africa. A large
calabash is cut in half and then covered with cow skin to create a resonator. A long hardwood neck is attached to this resonator. The free standing bridge is
supported by two handles that run under the skin. The earliest documentation of the Kora dates
back to 1799 in Travels in Interior
Districts of Africa, literature by Mungo Park. It is a centuries old tradition and is often
tied to the griots/jali. This instrument was and is used as accompaniment to the jali
storytelling, ceremonies, entertainment, and various other traditions passed
down orally through the generations. The
Kora produces a sound that is most closely aligned with a harp. It ranges over three octaves and allows a
musician to play across all three octaves simultaneously. To play a scale, the player would alternately
pluck the left and right string. This
practice allows for rapid runs that have become an identifying trait of Kora
music. The Kora is tuned to a heptatonic
scale using modes similar to major, minor, and Lydian. Actual pitch centers are tuned according to
the musician’s individual taste.
The Kora is placed vertically
between the legs to support the body of the instrument with the strings facing
the musician. The placement of strings
allows for the playing of chords, harmonies, and fast melodic runs.
Sulayman Jobarteh describes the intricate process in which the Kora is built.
In
this video, Toumani Diabate demonstrates the range of the Kora and the layering
of improvisation over the accompaniment and bass.
Watch these adorable children in the beginning stages of learning the art of playing the Kora. Here they are after their two hour lesson!
Today, the Kora is incorporated into various musical genres including modern jazz. Here is an example of the Kora being used in the Kora Jazz Band.
Resources:
http://www.our-africa.org/mali/kora
https://misscm.com/2015/04/10/african-instruments-the-kora/
I thought the video of the children playing the kora was adorable. I find it amazing that they learned so quickly! It would take me forever to learn.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed the video where they demonstrate the range of the Kora. It Is very fascinating to see the virtuoso ability of these players with non-European. Their skills improvising are incredible to watch because it gives me different ideas of what improvising can be.
ReplyDeleteThe video of the kora used in jazz was so cool! I wonder how having to play with western instruments (marimba and piano) affect its tuning. Is that what the pegs on the neck are for? Some of the more traditional looking koras didn't seem to have those pegs.
ReplyDeleteIts interesting to watch not only the improvisation on the kora but how the marimba player is using techniques for the balafon and translating it to that similar keyboard.
ReplyDelete