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What is the Difference Between a Harmonium and a Shruti Box and How are They Played?
A <a href="http://www.prestomusicstore.com/product-detail.php?pid=MFG-HMMC">Harmonium</a> is a musical instrument which is similar to a Pipe Organ or a Reed Organ. When air is blown through the reed, it produces a sound similar to that of an accordion. The British introduced this instrument in India and the type used in Indian music is hand-operated.
Alexander Debain invented the harmonium in the Paris in 1842. In the late 19th century, this instrument began to attain popularity in the West. Small churches started using harmoniums instead of pipe organs. Harmoniums were popular because of their light weight and ease of transportation. It also works well regardless of the heat and humidity.
Harmoniums are generally with one, two, or three sets of reeds and occasionally up to four sets. Classical instrumentalists use one-reed harmoniums; The three reed harmoniums are used by musicians playing for gawalli. To play the instrument, it requires a pumping of the bellows with one hand and taping of the keys with other.
French-made hand–pumped harmoniums have become very popular in India because they are easy to learn. Further additions of the drone stops and scale changing mechanisms in India have developed in the harmoniums. Hand-held harmoniums were introduced in India. This had a quick response because the musicians played the instrument sitting on the floor.
The qualities of harmonium suits well for group singing, large voice classes and also as a template for standardized raga grammar. This instrument was banned by All India Radio (1940 to1971) because of its inability to produce slides between notes. Hindus and Sikh largely use harmoniums for bhajan and kirtan.
A <a href="http://www.prestomusicstore.com/product-detail.php?pid=MFG-SHRSM">
Shruti Box</a> is a traditional instrument based on a system of bellows. It is used to provide a drone in the concert of Indian classical music. It is usually accompanied with other instruments, particularly the flute. The electronic shruti box is used widely nowadays. It is called “shruti petti” in Tamil and the “sur peti” in Hindi. Since it is hand-pumped, it produces a pulsating constant chord that supports the right rhythm for the music being played.
A German company exported shruti boxes to India. These boxes were manufactured by a company in India as well. The craftsmanship on these shruti boxes are the of best quality and the reeds are made by top reed makers. The dimensions of the shruti boxes are 11 ¾”L x 9”H x 3?W. It has a padded bag and a shoulder strap. There are three models in shruti boxes – C to C, a lower G to G, or the lowest F to F in chromatic half steps.
Both the Shruti Box and Harmonium are available for purchase at www.PrestoMusicStore.com
Let the sounds be heard,
-Presto Music Store Team
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About the Author
Musical Columnist for Presto Music Store!