In the rich tapestry of Indian music, the morchang stands as a distinctive instrument that has mesmerized audiences for centuries and is popularly used in both Rajasthani folk and Carnatic music traditions.
BeatCurry Team
The morchang (also known as the morsing or jaw harp) is a folk musical instrument that is played by holding it between the teeth and plucking the metal tongue with the fingers. It is a simple instrument, but it can produce a wide range of sounds, from single notes to complex melodies.
The morchang is thought to have originated in India, and it is still widely played in Pakistan, Rajasthan, South India, and Assam. It is also used in some parts of Africa and Europe. The morchang (called morsing in South India) is one of most staple instruments of Carnatic music. There are over 900 different varieties of the morchang, each with its own unique sound.
The morchang is a versatile instrument that can be used in a variety of musical genres. It is often used in folk music, but it can also be found in Carnatic music, Hindustani classical music, and even jazz. Interestingly, the morchang has also been used in hindi film soundtracks, and it was a popular instrument with renowned Indian music directors S.D. Burman and R.D. Burman.
The structure
It has a unique structure. A piece of iron after heating at high temperatures in the furnace is hammed continuously into the shape of a horseshoe magnet along with a thin extension. At the center, resting on one side is a metallic strip, free to vibrate and oscillate at the other end called the tongue. This tongue has a small extension pointing perpendicular to the structure of the instrument. This is the part that the player strikes, which creates the vibrating sound. Right at the tip of the perpendicular part is a small void to insert beeswax so as to decrease/bring down the pitch of the morchang as per the scale/sur of the song etc. Hence, it’s not a surprise to see professional morchang players carrying morchangs set in all 12 scales for a particular studio recording or concert.
The morchang is a relatively easy instrument to learn to play, but it can take some time to master. The key to playing the morchang is to learn how to control the vibrations of the metal tongue. This can be done by adjusting the position of the tongue in the mouth and by varying the amount of pressure that is applied to it. It also involves the use of our accentuated breath, use of vowels by altering the shape of our mouth and creating a wide range of sounds. Once you have mastered the basics of playing the morchang, you can start to experiment with different techniques. You can also try to create different effects by changing the way that you hold the instrument or by varying the amount of air that is blown into it or by transitioning from one vowel to another in the same stroke.
The morchang is a unique and versatile instrument that can be used to create a wide range of sounds. If you are looking for an instrument that is both easy to learn and fun to play, the morchang is a great option.
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