Originated from the Indian Subcontinent, Shehnai has been one of the most influential wind instruments in South Asia as well as other regions. It is a flute-like long wind instrument that is widely used in Indian Classical music as well as other contemporary and folk music. The deep sound and auspiciousness of the instrument have made it one of the holiest instruments for which it is being played in Indian ceremonies such as weddings, worshipping in temples, and even processions to celebrate. There is a myth that the sound of Shehnai can bring good fortune.
History
Some say it was invented at a similar time when the European oboe came into the market. However, it is also said that the instrument has evolved since the Persian Nay. There are some illustrations and representations of Nay found in the Egyptian Tomb which dates back to 3000 BC. In India, Shehnai is associated with the nine musical instruments played in the Royal Courts. Later, at the beginning of the 20th century, it gained recognition as a classical instrument.
Description
Shehnai (or Surnai) is a wooden wind instrument with a North Indian origin and it was also known as Oboe Hindu. But unlike the European oboe, Shehnai allows changing the intensity of the pitch by manipulating the wind pressure through the lip and the mouthpiece. Though the instrument has some similarities with the South Indian Instrument nadaswaram, Shehnai is more popular in the nation as well as internationally.
The tubular instrument has a conical shape which has a narrow end with a mouthpiece and the other side gradually broadens up to an opening. This aerophone is made of wood but the opening bell is a nickel-plated metal to offer a rich and dense tune. On the body of it, there are a total of nine to six holes to adjust pitch and scale. These finger holes are often closed and open by fingers while the player blows wind from the mouthpiece by firmly gripping the narrow end with lips. The double reed oboe has conical peak metal at the end known as Tudel which is inserted in the body to create a free flow of air with proper sealing. The set is inserted in the hood to create a sealed chamber of air while the player’s mouth works as the constant supply of air as a part of the instrument. It can produce up to two octaves, one the A below middle C and the other one is up to above the treble clef (A3 to A5). The coups create a vibrating tune that doesn’t require any exaggeration or pressurized blows.
Usually, Shehnais come with eight finger holes but it can be 6 to 9 holes depending on the requirements and style of the musicians. To adjust the sound and intonation, some of the Shehnai players prefer to close the other holes with beeswax that is not needed. The musicians are open to multiple interpretations and make changes to create new scales and musical notes.
Notable Shehnai Players
Since Shehnai is mostly cultivated and well incorporated in Indian Classical music, most of the notable Shehnai players belong to India only. Here are some of the notable players who did not only enrich classical music but also inspired the next generations of musicians to proceed with the legacy.
- Pandit Anant Lal
- Ustad Bismillah Khan
- Ali Ahmed Hussain Khan
- S. Ballesh
- Lokesh Anand
Some Interesting facts about Shehnai
Mangal Vadya
‘Mangal Vadya’ means ‘enabling tool’ or the ’fortune tool’. Shehnai is considered to the Mangal Vadya as the tune of enabling Shehnai is greatly used in religious ceremonies and temples. Even today, Shehnais are still played in the wedding and cultural ceremonies as the holy tune to embrace togetherness and happiness.
Imitating Human
Usually, through melodic practice, humans get to sing and play with the instrument. Shehnai is one of the rarest instruments across the world of tongue twice that create similar frequency and imitate the voice human.
Ustad Bismillah Khan
Bharat Ratna winner shehnai player Ustad Bismillah Khan has pioneered and popularized shehnai playing and took it to the musical heights. He elevated its status up to an international level instead of playing in the wedding ceremonies. He has also received Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shree awards for his precious musical contributions.
Part of the Indian Film Industry
With the passage of time, Shehnai is not limited to only classical music but also spread its creative aura through film Industry. Both in The Bollywood and South Indian movies, Shehnai is being widely used by the music composers like A.R. Rahman, M.S. Viswanathan, Keeravani, Ilaiyaraaja, Amit Trivedi, and many others.
Conclusion
Shehnai has kept its potential intact through all these years with its beautiful tone and rich compositions that enriched the classical music industry. Even, though the competition is strong, the instrument is gaining its importance again with contemporary influences.