Instruments

 There are different types of instruments used to make the music of Malta come alive many of the instruments help keep the rhythm steady and also set the tones for the music. All these instruments help keep the Maltese culture alive and also bring tourists as well, the tourists who come to Malta are always impressed with the music and culture there, and it's thanks to these instruments. 

Cuqlajta

The first instrument is called the cuqlajta this instrument is used as a clapper it is made out of wood or sometimes it can be made out of wood and metal. This instrument is used a lot during Holy Week which is a week of celebration for their faith and reflection corresponding to Easter Sunday. The video below is the cuqlajta and you can click the video to hear how it actually sounds. 



Il-qarn

The second instrument is called Il-qarn is a horn and the Maltese use this instrument over their homes because in their culture they believe it protects them from the evil eye. This instrument is also related to carnivals and hornpipes. The Il-qarn instrument is believed to have a connection with spring rituals. The picture down below is the Il-qarn. 

 

Bedbut

Another instrument that is a part of the Maltese culture is called the bedbut this instrument is typically used by children, it is a whistle and sometimes can be compared to a clarinet. This instrument is made of wheat and corn which is mostly the reason children use this instrument more. The picture below is the bedbut instrument. 


Zummara

The zummara looks kind of like the bedbut the only thing different is the hole in the middle of the zummara. This instrument is known as the kazoo in America, the sound the zummara makes is a raspy sound. The picture below is the zummara instrument 


Flejguta 

The next instrument is called the flejguta this instrument is also kind of similar to zummara there are holes down the middle and the flejguta is made out of Arundo donax reed which is a type of grass. It is meant to resemble penny whistles. The video below is of the flejguta and how it sounds and works. 


Tanbur

Another instrument in the Maltese culture is called the tanbur, this instrument is most often played with the bagpipe as well as the accordion. This instrument is used for spiritual gatherings. Down below is a picture of a tanbur instrument.

Iz-zaqq 

Lastly is the instrument called the Iz-zaqq this instrument is a very interesting one but very important to the Maltese culture. Iz-zaqq is made out of animal skin and resembles bagpipes. This instrument is usually made of dogs, goats, and sometime calfs. The video down below is the Iz-zaqq played with some other instruments from the Maltese culture. 



Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

   The Maltese culture has come a long way since they established independence in 1964. Malta was controlled by many other countries before becoming independent. Once they finally became independent, they adopted some traits from the other countries that controlled them before, which has shaped the Maltese culture. The music culture in Malta is very important to them. Maltese music plays a part in their everyday life from gatherings to humming rhymes while doing everyday tasks. Music is one of the reasons so many tourists come to Malta it has always impressed the tourists when they visit Malta. 
Read more