We’ve updated our Terms of Use to reflect our new entity name and address. You can review the changes here.
We’ve updated our Terms of Use. You can review the changes here.

For the love of tanpura 2​.​4​.​2

by Harry Lieben

/

  • Streaming + Download

    Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
    Purchasable with gift card

      €2 EUR  or more

     

about

I originally bought my first real and fancy instrument, a tanpura, to accompany myself while overtone singing. But upon hearing the Zen master-in-the-arts Michael Vetter play the tanpura in a very unorthodox way as a solo-instrument, I got really curious as to how he managed to get so many tones out of just the four strings. Instead of just asking, I tried for myself everything from plucking forcefully to caressing the strings. Endlessly tuning the four strings was key (...) and leaving out the little silk strings that are so vital in playing the tanpura in the classical Indian sense. The preferred way of communication with the instrument is face-to-face.

This lofi recording on MiniDisc was made in Spring 2002 at my house in the living room. It is the culmination of many months of joyful and intense discovery on the possibilities that I managed to find. There is no plan when playing, there is no second time to play the same, there is only continuous practice and being touched while touching the strings. Listening to the sound and choosing or rejecting a direction, a melody that presents itself. Incorporating small mistakes (and/or divine interference) into the music. Being ever so careful not to shy away a particularly lovely note, losing myself.

Why the extension 2.4.2? The romantic version is that alternatively only two or (at the end) all four of the strings are being played. In the dull version the first 2 means it is the second Mini-Disc that I recorded in this fashion. the 4 means it is the fourth track. and the second 2 is because I edited the first 10minutes out. It is only after those first 10 minutes of searching and not really finding that things are getting interesting. After all, I do not want you to get bored!

credits

released January 19, 2020

license

tags

about

Harry Lieben image

Harry Lieben Assen, Netherlands

The first instrument of man is the voice. The first amplifier, a cave. For a caveman, there is no middle of the road.

contact / help

Contact Harry Lieben

Streaming and
Download help

Redeem code

Report this track or account

Harry Lieben recommends:

If you like Harry Lieben, you may also like:

Bandcamp Daily  your guide to the world of Bandcamp

On Bandcamp Radio

Saxophonist Isaiah Collier chats about his new LP and the influence of Pharoah Sanders.
listen now