Harukuru NaNymasase by Hector Rufaro Mugani – Remapping the board, programming play along tracks
is a multitrack Mbira composition. This fascinating instrument from the Shona culture of Zimbabwe has a very interesting setup and, although one can play this music on a keyboard, the main goal was to be able to play this piece in a fashion similar to its original performance practice. This means that the Midi-mallet keyboard is set up so that the pitch map is similar to the real instrument. To facilitate learning the solo part has been transcribed and written in scordatura.
Mbira playing technique requires many years of dedicated practice as this style of music is highly improvisational, produced through collective playing and taught/learned by ear. This use of the Midi-Mallet instrument gives a student an introduction into the playing style and music of the Shona culture, and its deeply interlocking melodies and rhythms. It also highlights a great function of Midi-Mallet instruments and sampling software: the ability to radically change the way a keyboard is mapped.
If you are interested in playing this piece please contact: midi.mallet.manual@gmail.com
