<p>The melodious crystaline sound of Jal Tarang was played for Delhiites in a bid to revive the oldest and rarely used instrument in India.<br /><br /></p>.<p>Jal tarang meaning waves in water, has lost its shine in all musical concerts. The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) took the initiative to resuscitate this rarely heard instrument by hosting a musical event in the Capital on April 20. It took the listeners to a soothing musical journey down memory lane. <br /><br />One of the few musicians still playing this rare instrument is Manish Sharma. He has played along with his illustrious grandfather Pandit Ghasi Ram Nirmal, who has groomed him into the art. Manish was accompanied by Sri Fateh Mohammad Khan on Tabla, his guru for the 14-15 years. <br /><br />Acknowledging that the country’s oldest musical instruments are fast becoming a casualty due to the popularity of Western music, Manish said, “The major reason why jal tarang has lost its shine because the tune setting itself is the most taxing task to do. It takes hours to set up the bowls according to the ragas (tunes).”<br /> <br />Capable of producing both delicate and vibrant sounds, the jal tarang can be used to play Indian classical ragas and light melodies alike. An uncommon instrument, it is often played solo, as a melodic instrument accompanied by the tabla, harmonium or as percussive accompaniment to kathak dancing.<br /><br />Manish even shared an interesting aspect about jal tarang, “We add water to the bowl when we have to create low pitch music and reduce the water in the bowl to produce high pitch sounds.” <br /><br />Jal Tarang is an unique instrument of water filled china clay bowls of descending size spread out in a semi circle. Each set contains 15 bowls of different sizes. The player sits in the centre with chop-stick like strikers made from Neem stems. The bowls are tuned to the notes of the raag by adjusting the amount of water.<br /><br />Manish, 24, is a businessman by profession and has a shop in the most bustling place in Delhi, i.e Chandni Chowk. “I took up this art as it is very unique. People listen to it very patiently, they respect this art. I have generally played in high profile events where soothing music is preferred.”<br /><br /></p>
<p>The melodious crystaline sound of Jal Tarang was played for Delhiites in a bid to revive the oldest and rarely used instrument in India.<br /><br /></p>.<p>Jal tarang meaning waves in water, has lost its shine in all musical concerts. The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) took the initiative to resuscitate this rarely heard instrument by hosting a musical event in the Capital on April 20. It took the listeners to a soothing musical journey down memory lane. <br /><br />One of the few musicians still playing this rare instrument is Manish Sharma. He has played along with his illustrious grandfather Pandit Ghasi Ram Nirmal, who has groomed him into the art. Manish was accompanied by Sri Fateh Mohammad Khan on Tabla, his guru for the 14-15 years. <br /><br />Acknowledging that the country’s oldest musical instruments are fast becoming a casualty due to the popularity of Western music, Manish said, “The major reason why jal tarang has lost its shine because the tune setting itself is the most taxing task to do. It takes hours to set up the bowls according to the ragas (tunes).”<br /> <br />Capable of producing both delicate and vibrant sounds, the jal tarang can be used to play Indian classical ragas and light melodies alike. An uncommon instrument, it is often played solo, as a melodic instrument accompanied by the tabla, harmonium or as percussive accompaniment to kathak dancing.<br /><br />Manish even shared an interesting aspect about jal tarang, “We add water to the bowl when we have to create low pitch music and reduce the water in the bowl to produce high pitch sounds.” <br /><br />Jal Tarang is an unique instrument of water filled china clay bowls of descending size spread out in a semi circle. Each set contains 15 bowls of different sizes. The player sits in the centre with chop-stick like strikers made from Neem stems. The bowls are tuned to the notes of the raag by adjusting the amount of water.<br /><br />Manish, 24, is a businessman by profession and has a shop in the most bustling place in Delhi, i.e Chandni Chowk. “I took up this art as it is very unique. People listen to it very patiently, they respect this art. I have generally played in high profile events where soothing music is preferred.”<br /><br /></p>
