SANTOOR Meaning and
Definition
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The santoor is a traditional stringed musical instrument that originated in the Indian subcontinent. It is a hammer dulcimer, or a trapezoid-shaped instrument with strings stretched over its surface and played by striking those strings with small wooden hammers. Similar versions of the santoor can also be found in Persian, Afghan, and Central Asian music traditions, with minor variations in design and playing technique.
The santoor typically consists of a wooden soundboard, with a series of strings stretched over wooden bridges. Each bridge corresponds to a particular note, and the player strikes the strings with the hammers to produce the desired pitch and tone. The number of strings can vary, but it is usually around 72 to 100. The strings are usually made of steel or bronze and can be tuned to different scales and octaves.
The santoor is played while placed on the musician's lap, and the hammers are held in the hands to strike the strings. The player can create a range of sounds depending on the intensity and position of the strikes. The santoor is commonly used in classical, folk, and Sufi music of the Indian subcontinent, and its hauntingly melodic tones make it a popular instrument for solo performances as well as accompaniment in ensembles.
Over the years, the santoor has gained global recognition, and contemporary musicians have incorporated it into various genres of music, blending traditional and modern styles. Its rich and mesmerizing timbre continues to enchant listeners, making the santoor a cherished instrument in the music traditions of the Indian subcontinent and beyond.
Etymology of SANTOOR
The word "santoor" has its etymology from Persian. It is derived from the Persian word "santur", which means "hundred strings". The Persian word "santur" itself is derived from the Sanskrit word "santoori", which refers to a musical instrument. The Santoor is a hammered dulcimer-like musical instrument that originated in Persia and is extensively used in Indian classical music.
