Santur Hammer Strings

Strike a trapezoid of strings with two mallets, following falling notes through a modal scale, then improvise in free mode.

Heritage note

Part of the living heritage of Iran, Iraq, India. Some forms of this practice carry deep meaning for the communities who keep it; here we describe the play and the craft only, with respect for its roots.

Origins

A living tradition passed from person to person; it is not tied to a single dated origin. It belongs to the cultural world of Persia, Caucasus and Central Asia.