GLENN MORGAN AND THE HAMMERED DULCIMER
Michael Krikorian
Examiner.com
Jun 27, 2009
This article will present a brief history of the hammered dulcimer
and one particular musician that plays it.
The hammered dulcimer can be traced back to the 9th century and it very
likely originated in the Middle East. An instrument I became familiar
with in a study of Armenian musical instruments is the kanoon. This
instrument is plucked as opposed to being struck. It is very likely
that both instruments come from the same origins. A true dulcimer is
related to the psaltery. The psaltery, like the kanoon, is a plucked
instrument. A correlation can be made between the harpsichord and
the piano. The former is plucked and the latter is struck. The two
methods of sound production are easily distinguished by the listener. A
more familiar plucked type of dulcimer is the Appalachian dulcimer
of American folklore. The Hungarian version of the hammered dulcimer
is the cimbalom. This instrument was brought to world attention with
the Hary Janos Suite by Zoltan Kodaly. The cimbalom strings are also
struck in a very similar manner of the hammered dulcimer. The hammered
dulcimer is experiencin!
g a resurgence of popularity and this is due in a great part to the
role is has played in Renaissance Faires. Glenn Morgan must take
responsibility, at least in part, for this resurgence.
Glenn’s history goes back to 1981 and one of the first Renaissance
Faires that was in the oak woodlands of MarinCounty’s Black Point. I
remember attending this event back in my hippie days. Then it seemed
that the hippies were already in costume (tongue in cheek). The closing
of this special event brought a very special era to a sad end. Glenn
goes back to this faire and so his experience spans over 28 years. This
deserves a resounding hazaah! He clearly demonstrates a clear mastery
of his instrument. His music adds a special musical element that helps
to take us back in history to the days of knights and royalty and the
fantasies associated with them. A visit to his Web site will provide
you with a schedule of his upcoming events. You can also purchase his
CDs and find a link to site where you can purchase a hammered dulcimer.
Glenn truly has great technique and musicality. This one of those
instruments that looks easier to play than it really is. He has a
varied and substantial repertoire. His CDs will testify to this. His
playing draws crowds who will sit and listen for long periods. His
talent also brings other musicians to him and before you know it, he is
playing in an impromptu ensemble. Glenn must be considered one of the
best examples of hammered dulcimer musicians in the United States. He
is an example of the lesser know musicians that are overlooked simply
because of his venues and his instrument. This is great loss to those
who still have never heard of a hammered dulcimer or the music of
Glenn Morgan or have never attended a Renaissance Faire. I say to
these individuals – go to a Renaissance Faire, eat a turkey leg,
take in all the events and sights, buy a sword or other souvenir,
and go listen to Glenn Morgan. You may have an epiphany and a new
outlook on life. Thank you Glenn.
The photographs with this article are from the Santa Cruz Scottish
Renaissance Festival from last weekend.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
