Yaybahar
 The original yaybahar instrument made by Gorkem Sen. | |
| acoustic string synthecizer | |
|---|---|
| Inventor(s) | Gorkem Sen |
| Developed | 2008-2015 |
| Sound sample | |
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The Yaybahar is an acoustic musical instrument invented by the Turkish musician Gorkem Sen (Turkish: Görkem Şen), who describes it as a "real-time acoustic string synthesizer."[1]
Etymology[edit]
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 means the season "spring." According to Gorkem Sen, the name is derived from the idea of a new life or a new beginning. [1]
Structure and function[edit]
The Yaybahar was inspired by several different instruments, including the Turkish ney, African thunder drum and Australian didgeridoo. It represents both Western and Eastern influences in its design and sound.[2] In developing it, Sen invented a new system of bridges between the strings and the resonance body.[3] Composer Ian Honeyman described the Yaybahar as "a cello like instrument that uses springs and drums for resonance rather than a wood body".[4]
The instrument is played similarly to orchestral string instruments by hitting or sliding a wooden bow along the two long springs suspended in the center of two drum heads, by hitting the drums, or by sliding the bow at the top of the instrument, similarly to a standup bass.[5] In its online review, Classic FM described a variety of sounds that the Yaybahar can produce, such as by dragging a mallet across the springs, tapping the ends, and using a bow.[6] The sound produced by the Yaybahar has been compared to sci-fi movie sound effects by multiple publications.[1][2][6]
Manufacturing[edit]
The 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."[7]
- Film music composer Ian Honeyman uses a self-made Yaybahar for some of his soundtracks.[4]
Notable uses[edit]
In 2018 Max Richter composed music featuring the Yaybahar for the film Hostiles by Scott Cooper.[8]
The album "Thar Toinn/Seaborne" (2020) by Irish singer Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh features a Yaybahar played by her husband, musician Billy Mag Fhloinn, on its final track, "Port na bPucaí".[9] Journal of Music described the sound of the Yaybahar in the song as "droning" and "swooping", comparing it to whale song.[10]
The composition "Into Darkness" by Ian Honeyman uses the sound of a Yaybahar.[citation needed]
Gary Numan's 2021 album, Intruder, features contributions from Görkhem Sen playing the Yaybahar.[11]
References[edit]
- ^ a b c "It's not Space Odyssey, it's the Yaybahar". The World from PRX. Retrieved 8 October 2020.
- ^ a b "Yaybahar: An Instrument with a Mesmerizing Sound". Interesting Engineering. Interesting Engineering, Inc. 15 May 2020. Retrieved 8 October 2020.
- ^ The Creators Project (3 November 2014). "Introducing the Yaybahar: an Acoustic Instrument that Makes Space Age Sounds". VICE. VICE Media Group. Retrieved 10 October 2020.
- ^ a b airedelblog (21 February 2019). "Catching Up With Air-Edel Composer Ian Honeyman". Air-Edel Music. Retrieved 10 October 2020.
- ^ Ramsey, Lydia (16 January 2015). "Here Are The Bizarre Finalists Competing For Musical Instrument Of The Future". Popular Science. Recurrent. Retrieved 8 October 2020.
- ^ a b "This instrument is the yaybahar - and it sounds like the end of the world". Classic FM. Global. Retrieved 8 March 2023.
- ^ Long, Siobhan. "The best trad gigs of the week". The Irish Times. Retrieved 8 October 2020.
- ^ Kermode, Mark; critic, Observer film (7 January 2018). "Hostiles review – hail to the chief on a dark western odyssey". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 10 October 2020.
- ^ "Lankum are audience hit in NYC". Irish Echo. 12 March 2020. Retrieved 8 October 2020.
- ^ "Humours of the Sea". The Journal of Music. Retrieved 10 October 2020.
- ^ Shuttleworth, Alastair (19 May 2021). "The Quietus | Features | A Quietus Interview | A Brutal Harmony: Gary Numan & Ade Fenton Interviewed". The Quietus. Black Sky Thinking Ltd. Retrieved 8 March 2023.
External links[edit]
- Yaybahar by Görkem Şen. - Gorkem Sen introduces yaybahar, 2014 official video.
- Yaybahar by Görkem Şen II. - Gorkem Sen's yaybahar performance, 2014 official video.
- Nohlab at TEDxReset 2014 - Audiovisual performance by Nohlab at TEDx featuring Gorkem Sen playing yaybahar.
- Port na bPúcaí - Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh & Billy Mag Fhloinn- Billy Mag Fhloinn playing self-made yaybahar in Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh's music video.
- Ian Honeyman's Yaybahar. Film music composer describes the process of building his own yaybahar.