Folk art: musical instrument of a spoon

Folk art does not do without unique musical instruments that characterize and reflect the features of their nation. Appearing in the old days, they experienced a number of improvements, but still did not lose their sound. Everyone knows the basic Russian folk musical instruments. Spoons in this list play an important role. What is so special about this unique instrument and what is it remarkable about? This is worth knowing in more detail.

Historical roots of the game on spoons

The origins of the game on such an unusual instrument send us to the Eastern Slavs. It was they who at the beginning of the 16th century began to use wooden spoons to extract rhythmic sounds. The musical instrument in those days was too cumbersome and required skills to play on it.

Wooden spoons could be used in any situation: during the ceremonial rite, and on the trip, and at the time of departure. We did not have a specific system of playing on spoons from our ancestors, and there is still no such system. The beauty of sound is in improvisation and a sense of the rhythm of the performer. He charges his game with emotions and energy, which is transmitted to others. Later, as a musical instrument, spoons were used by buffoons and buffoons, accompanying themselves in the performance of cheerful and comic songs.

The role of spoons in the classification of musical instruments

Today, all the tools have been systematized and laid out on the shelves. Categorized and spoons were exposed. Folk musical instruments are divided into:

• Shock noise (tambourine, maracas, spoons);
• Percussive melodic (drum);
• Stringed plucked (domra, guitar);
• Reed pneumatic (accordion, accordion).

A group of noise, or rhythmic instruments, to which the musical instrument of a spoon belongs, is distinguished by the fact that it does not require special training or possession of technology. In order to play well on such instruments, rhythmic percussion movements, shaking, and clapping are used. The quality of the game still depends on the sense of rhythm and vigor of the performer.

Technique of playing on spoons

In order to play on wooden spoons, no additional equipment or equipment is required. You can do this both standing and sitting. Folk ensembles prefer to use special spoons made of maple or birch. Ordinary people are most often made of linden wood, but it does not produce such sonorous sounds and is also more fragile.

The musical instrument of the spoon in the classical form looks like two wooden designs, clamped in the hands of one hand. A sonorous sound is achieved by hitting the back sides against each other.

The handles of the spoons must be held tightly, while the brush should be mobile and soft. The volume of the sound is controlled by the impact force. At the beginning of the exercise, the hand brush can become very tired, but over time the muscles adapt to a specific load and become accustomed. Experienced spoonmen can play on three spoons, pinching them between the fingers of one hand. Playing on spoons does not require the study of musical notation and scores. Only a sense of rhythm and a desire to learn how to play the instrument.

Playing Spoons for Children

As a musical instrument, spoons are often used in kindergartens and developmental centers. First of all, they are safe for kids: the smooth surfaces of the spoons will not allow children to get hurt, and the light weight and mobility of the musical instrument make it irreplaceable on any matinee. Kids enjoy with pleasure extract loud rhythmic sounds from spoons and work hard with pens.

But not only for pleasure it is useful to use this folk instrument: during play on spoons, small motor skills are actively involved and developed. This positively influences the development of the speech apparatus, allows you to adjust the handwriting and concentration. Playing on spoons as an art therapy can be prescribed to hyperactive children and to kids with perceptual problems.

Listen to the collective of folk instruments is a pleasure. They are able to convey the mood and energy of an entire nation, to convey its history. Nowadays, this kind of music has become very popular. To take part in playing the ensemble of folk instruments is easier than even for a person without musical skills. Wooden spoons will pour into the atmosphere of a happy fun and rhythmic jokes buffoons.