đàn bầu

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The Vietnamese word "đàn bầu" refers to a traditional musical instrument known as the monochord. Here’s a simple explanation and some details about it:

Basic Definition:

Đàn bầu is a unique string instrument that consists of a long piece of wood with a single silk or brass string stretched across it. One end of the string is attached to a peg, while the other end is fastened to a flexible bamboo plate. The instrument uses an open dried gourd as a soundbox, which amplifies the sound.

Usage Instructions:

To play the đàn bầu, the musician plucks the string with one hand and uses the other hand to adjust the pitch by bending the string or changing its tension. This allows the instrument to produce a variety of notes, even though it has only one string. It can play all the sounds in the pentatonic scale, which is common in Vietnamese music.

Example:

• A musician in Vietnam might perform a traditional folk song using the đàn bầu at a cultural festival.

Advanced Usage:

In more advanced performances, the đàn bầu can be used with an electronic amplifier to enhance the sound quality. This allows musicians to play in larger venues and reach wider audiences.

Word Variants:

• In a broader context, "đàn" means "instrument" in Vietnamese, so any string instrument may start with this prefix. For example, "đàn guitar" refers to a guitar.

Different Meanings:

While "đàn bầu" specifically refers to the monochord instrument, the word "bầu" can also mean "gourd" in Vietnamese, referring to the material used for the soundbox. However, in the context of music, it primarily signifies the instrument itself.

Synonyms:

There aren’t direct synonyms for "đàn bầu" in Vietnamese, as it is a unique instrument. However, you might encounter other traditional instruments like "đàn tranh" (zither) or "đàn nhị" (two-stringed instrument) in discussions about Vietnamese music.

Cultural Significance:

The đàn bầu holds a special place in Vietnamese culture and music. It is often associated with solo performances and is admired for its ability to convey deep emotions through its sound.

Academic

noun

1. Monochord
2. đàn bầu (monochord): Đàn bầu consists of a long piece of wood, on which is stretched a silk or brass string, which is fastened at one end to a peg and at the other to a flexible bamboo plate. The string is passed repeatedly through an open dried gourd as sound box. Although having only one string, it can emit all the sounds in the pentatonic scale. The eight notes of Vietnamese music give modulations of greater amplitudes than those obtained by any other single-stringed instrument in the world. Today, Đàn bầu is made very carefully to ensure aesthetic and sound quality. When played in public, it is often used with an electronic amplifier