Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Hebrew Music Instruments

Music is a great form of communication; it facilitates religious ceremonies, and celebrates victorious battles. Jubal was the inventor of Hebrew musical instruments. The whole Hebrew history and literature are proving that the Hebrews are really committed to cultivate music. We all remember that after the passage of the Red Sea, Moses and his people sang their song of happiness and freedom.

The time of David and Solomon is the golden age of Hebrew music; it is systematically cultivated and it is the main part of training in schools. Hebrew musical instruments are also used in their private life. Among the Hebrew musical instruments, an important place is given to stringed instruments, such as the kinnor - a kind or farp, the nebel – a lyre, the sabbeka- a lute. Among the wind instruments, we mention the ugab – a syrinx, the qeren – a horn, the shophar – a trumpet, the hafsoserah – a trumpet, the halil – a flute, the sumponyah – a bagpipe. The Hebrew musical instruments from the percussion category are the toph – a drum, the paamon – the bells, the tseltselim – cymbals, the mennan’im – cornets, the shalishim – triangles.

Old Hebrew musical instruments
The bells were very important Hebrew musical instruments; they were attached to the hem of the high priest’s ephod. The cornet is named shophar in Hebrew because of its brightness and its clear sound. Cymbals are also very popular Hebrew musical instruments; two pieces of brass, one for each hand, are clashed together to produce a really loud sound. The dulcimer is a Hebrew musical instrument; it is a kind of lute. The flute is composed of a number of pipes; it is common also among other people from Asia.

The harp (kinnor in Hebrew) is the national musical instrument of the Hebrews; the harp was invented by Jubal and is used as accompaniment to Hebrew songs such as praise to God. The horn is not only a Hebrew musical instrument; it is also used metaphorically for strength and honor, as emblems or power. The organ is a wind Hebrew musical instrument, similar to the Pan’s pipe.

The psaltery is another Hebrew musical instrument, a king of lyre, with twelve strings. The tabret is a one-sided drum, a kind of tambourine; the timbrel is also a small drum or a tambourine. Trumpets are a large variety of forms, and are made in different materials. Silver trumpets are specific Hebrew musical instruments, and are used by the highest priests to announce a war or a festival.

Sunday, December 27, 2009

Reasons For Playing Musical Instruments

In this article we will look at some reasons for playing musical instruments. Learning how to play violin or learning to play a musical instrument in general can offer many benefits, if you really want to learn how to do something in your lifetime, then you should think about learning to play a musical instrument.

Let’s look at some reasons why in this article:

Reasons for playing musical instruments - You can become smarter

Studies have shown that those that play a musical instrument in school, do better with their studies than those who do not. It is said that playing musical instruments has a therapeutic effect on the brain. By playing musical instruments from a young age, they develop ones reading skills, a child’s ability to learn, and they also raise the child’s IQ. Adults can benefit also because it makes one able to focus better resulting in effects such as more mental focus and improved memory.

Reasons for playing musical instruments - Learn Discipline

Many people who play music are very disciplined. You have to be disciplined in order to master the instrument you are playing. You need to set aside time each day to practice, practice, and further practice. While many people goof around watching TV and Gossiping, you have to set that time aside to practice on your chosen instrument.

Reasons for playing musical instruments - Instruments relive stress

When you hear soft soothing music, it can de stress many people. We all need days when we need to just sit and soothe our minds. Life can be hectic and stressful. Playing an instrument can relax you by calming the mind.

Reasons for playing musical instruments - A sense of achievement

If you’re new to playing a musical instrument, getting your first piece right can be very frustrating. However, once you achieve this, you can have an overwhelming feeling of achievement and satisfaction.

Playing musical instruments is fun

Playing an instrument can be very hard work, but most people who play will tell you that playing an instrument is a whole lot of fun. Once you get better playing your chosen musical instrument, you will be able to demonstrate what you have learn to families and friends.

You may even choose to go further with your skills and aim for playing musical instruments at a professional level. Playing musical instruments opens up many possibilities which can only be a positive thing. We are sure that by learning to play a musical instrument, your life can only be enriched.