Musical Tones and Noises

 

Musical tones are the rhythmical sounds that have a pleasing effect on the listeners. These are produced via formal vibrations of objects. (Example: It is pleasant and joyful to listen to a musical instrument that is being played or a song). On the contrary, the noise is unpleasant to our ears and it can be cited as an unwanted and meaningless sound that is quite loud. These are formed by the non-formal vibrations of objects. These noises are harmful and may cause damage to our ears. Noises obstruct our daily chores and sounds that hail from factories, vehicles and very high musical tones that are unbearable to our ears can be cited as examples of noise. Thus, it is paramount that the musical instruments are used in a way that it does not become a nuisance or an obstruction to others. 

 

Ancient Musical Instruments

 

The usage of musical instruments runs back to the ancient era of Sri Lanka, where they were used in the activities involved in the everyday life of people. The large drum/”daula”, double drum/ “tammattama” and the trumpet “horanawa” were among those instruments that were frequently used in religious services, devil dancing, alms giving, chanting good will and etc. 

 

 

Traditional Musical Instruments

 

The traditional musical instruments like the up country drum/“gat`a beraya”, low country drum /“yak beraya”, “udakkiya”, large drum/“daula”, trumpet/ “horanawa”, and double drum “thammattama`” are often used in the cultural festivals/events. Most of these instruments have accompanied rituals that belong to upcountry, low country and the sabaragamuwa traditions. 

 

Modern Musical Instruments

 

Today, both ancient and traditional musical instruments are being used along with the modern instruments like the clarinet, acoustic guitar, electric organ, electric guitar, drums, violin, piano, thabla, saxophone, flute, octopad and etc. The octopad consists of drum and percussion sounds equipped with the latest technology that are used to play dynamic orchestral percussion. This is a versatile instrument that allows one person to perform a full orchestra or a series of instruments via a computer and a keyboard. This modern musical instrument is often used for rhythm playing. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

by Mekhala Egodawele

 Photo source : Internet