Yaybahar

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Yaybahar
Yaybahar.jpg
The original yaybahar instrument made by Gorkem Sen.
acoustic string synthecizer
Inventor(s)Gorkem Sen
Developed2008-2015
Sound sample
Yaybahar sound sample

Yaybahar is an acoustic musical instrument invented by a Turkish musician Gorkem Sen (Turkish: Görkem Şen), who describes it as a "real-time acoustic string synthesizer."[1] In its online review Classic FM called yaybahar a "genius monstrosity" that makes "thoroughly bizarre, terrifying and delightful noises."[2] Journal of Music describes the sound of yaybahar as "completely enthralling."[3]

Etymology[]

The name yaybahar (pronounced /jajba'har/) has Turkish origin. It is a composite of two words: yay means a "string" or a "coiled string" and bahar translates into English as "spring." In one of the interviews Gorkem Sen states that the name is derived from the idea of a new life or a new beginning. [1]

Structure and function[]

Yaybahar was inspired by several different instruments, including the Turkish ney, African thunder drum and Australian didgeridoo and represents both Western and Eastern influences in its design and sound.[4] Sen invented a new system of bridges between the strings and the resonance body.[5] The instrument is played similar to orchestral string instruments by hitting or sliding a wooden bow along the two long strings suspended in the center of two drum heads, by hitting the drums, or by sliding the bow up at the top of the instrument.[6] Composer Ian Honeyman describes yaybahar as "a cello like instrument that uses springs and drums for resonance rather than a wood body."[7]

Makers[]

Gorkem Sen playing Yaybahar.
Gorkem Sen playing yaybahar. Hydra island, Greece, 2019.

Yaybahar isn't manufactured commercially.

  • Irish musician Billy Mag Fhloinn built and plays his own yaybahar. The Irish Times describes Mag Fhloinn's yaybahar as a "haunting instrument of his own making."[8]
  • Film music composer Ian Honeyman uses a self-made Yaybahar for some of his soundtracks.

Features[]

In 2018 Max Richter composed music featuring yaybahar for the films Hostiles by Scott Cooper.[9]

"Thar Toinn / Seaborne" (2020) album by Irish singer Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh features yaybahar played by her husband musician Billy Mag Fhloinn. The Irish Eco review of the album’s final track “Port Na bPúcaí” calls yaybahar "an otherworldly-sounding instrument" that "makes an entirely mysterious sound that resonates with the lore surrounding the song and complements Nic Amhlaoibh’s singing nicely." [10]

"Into Darkness" composition by Ian Honeyman uses yaybahar sound.

Gary Numan's 2021 album, Intruder, features contributions from Görkhem Sen playing the yaybahar.[11]

References[]

  1. ^ a b "It's not Space Odyssey, it's the Yaybahar". The World from PRX. Retrieved 2020-10-08.
  2. ^ "This instrument is the yaybahar - and it sounds like the end of the world". Classic FM. Retrieved 2020-10-08.
  3. ^ "Humours of the Sea". The Journal of Music. Retrieved 2020-10-10.
  4. ^ "Yaybahar: An Instrument with a Mesmerizing Sound". interestingengineering.com. Retrieved 2020-10-08.
  5. ^ "Introducing the Yaybahar: an Acoustic Instrument that Makes Space Age Sounds". www.vice.com. Retrieved 2020-10-10.
  6. ^ "Here Are The Bizarre Finalists Competing For Musical Instrument Of The Future". Popular Science. Retrieved 2020-10-08.
  7. ^ "Catching Up With Air-Edel Composer Ian Honeyman". Air-Edel Music. 2019-02-21. Retrieved 2020-10-10.
  8. ^ Long, Siobhan. "The best trad gigs of the week". The Irish Times. Retrieved 2020-10-08.
  9. ^ Kermode, Mark; critic, Observer film (2018-01-07). "Hostiles review – hail to the chief on a dark western odyssey". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2020-10-10.
  10. ^ "Lankum are audience hit in NYC". Irish Echo. 2020-03-12. Retrieved 2020-10-08.
  11. ^ https://thequietus.com/articles/29983-gary-numan-ade-fenton-interview

External links[]

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