The Ethnic Clarinet
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Author: Ash
Date: 2005-10-10 05:33
Hi,
I've recently decided to purchase a clarinet, however I am not entirely sure as I can't figure out what exact instrument is used in the macedonian gypsy (roma) sound. I have no formal musical training and have only mild knowledge which I have 'picked-up' the in last couple of years, so I am going to need your help.
I've uploaded 2 examples (
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Author: Ash
Date: 2005-10-10 05:46
Hi,
I've recently decided to purchase a clarinet, however I am not entirely sure as I can't figure out what exact instrument is used in the macedonian gypsy (roma) sound. I have no formal musical training and have only mild knowledge which I have 'picked-up' the in last couple of years, so I am going to need your help.
I've uploaded 2 examples (www.geocities.com/macexample/) of the style which I am talking about, and I was wondering what instruments are being used. (?) I think in the 1st Example a zurla or traditional oboe (macedoniadirect.com/music/instrum/zurla.htm) is being used and a saxophone in the second, however I am not entierly sure, if anyone can tell me it would be greatly appreciated. Also, does anyone know of any examples where a clarinet is being used so I can see the difference.
Finally, am I correct in assuming that the gypsy sound is only a style of playing where any number of instruments can be used, such as the clarinet, sax, zurla, etc...?? I know I am not entierly clear but I just need to know what is the predominant instrument used in the style of playing that is similar to the 2 examples.
Any help will be greatly appreciated...
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Author: Katrina
Date: 2005-10-10 16:02
Hi Ash,
They're both sax. I'm afraid I don't have any way to upload any zurla stuff, but the zurla stuff is usually 2 zurlas, one playing a melody and one playing a drone.
Pretty much any "standard" Boehm system clarinet will be the instrument you can use for Macedonian Romany stuff. The difference will be the mouthpiece. Get a Vandoren 5JB and use very soft reeds (1.5-2). That'll make the tonal difference, and it's what they use.
Katrina
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Author: Kalakos
Date: 2005-10-10 20:10
Hi:
First one sounds like clarinet very amplified with lots of effects, especially reverb and echo delay. Second sounds like a sax.
You will be able to tell the zurla when you hear it; it is unique. If I find a recording of zurla I can send, I will.
Good luck.
Kalakos
Kalakos Music
http://www.TAdelphia.com
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Author: Kalakos
Date: 2005-10-11 00:01
Hi again, Ash:
Couldn't find a Macedonian recording readily available to copy to you, but here's a neat website. Try the links to Mr. Bedrosian, the Armenian, who was recorded in Fresno in 1939.
http://www.fromnorway.net/yaylas/zurna/zurna_faq.htm#1
Best,
John
Kalakos
Kalakos Music
http://www.TAdelphia.com
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Author: Ash
Date: 2005-10-11 03:00
From my point of view both those sound amazing, especially the first one, althouth it is a touch too winey and wouldn't suit too many songs.
So is the clarinet the dominant instrument in that type of playing or are the instruments constantly changed? Also if you can just name a song with clarinet playing I might be able to find it at home since my family has a large collection of Macedonian music, maybe one by Ferus Mustafov or another popular Roma player.
Finally thanks for your help guys it's immensely appreciated.
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Author: Kalakos
Date: 2005-10-11 06:22
Hi:
Atanas Kolarovski used to say that "Maestro" Tale was the best Jugoslav Macedonian clarinetist. I can't remember Tale's last name, but I've run across his website a couple of times. Try a search. His style is more of what most Slavic Macedonians preferred several years ago. The excerpt you have in your post sounds more like a modern Greek style clarinetist, but then I'm not really sure what the folks in the former Jugoslav republic of Macedonia are listening to these days.
Hope that helps. "Tale" is very representative of the Skopje style of clarinet playing and used to be considered the best. Some still think so.
Good luck.
Kalakos
Kalakos Music
http://www.TAdelphia.com
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Author: Katrina
Date: 2005-10-11 15:21
Hi Kalakos!
It's Tale Ognenovski. He really was the best!
Katrina
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Author: Kalakos
Date: 2005-10-11 20:37
Hi, Katrina:
Yes! Couldn't think of it last night when I posted. He has been very popular for years (don't know if he's still kicking or not). My impression was his style was considered the purest for their music.
Thanks for reminding us of his last name.
Best,
Kalakos
Kalakos Music
http://www.TAdelphia.com
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Author: Katrina
Date: 2005-10-11 20:51
His son has a website devoted to him at:
http://www.taleognenovski.com.mk/
It does not indicate that Tale has died, so my apologies for stating that "he was the best" because he apparently still is!
Katrina
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Author: Simon
Date: 2005-11-23 23:39
Ash,
Just to add a litlle more here. Tale Ognenovski plays music from all the Parts of Macedonia that is Aegean, Vardar and Pirin and yes It will take someone special to take his spot.
There has been only one player that was able to match Tale at the time was Dimitrija Krcoski known to his fans as (KRCO) who was very good with over 30 concerts to many countries in Europe, ufortunatelly you want find much on him as he emigrtaed to Australia in the late 60's and he didn't record anything after that. You may also want to explore the music of a young player by the name of Ilija Ampevski who is now residing in the US. His web site is as follows:
http://www.ilijaampevski.com/ang.htm
For your liking however, Ferus Mustafov proably is what you want, try also Ivo Papasov.
Simon
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