http://musicmavericks.blogspot.com/2009/03/continuum-fingerboard.html
The
soundtrack of 'Delhi 6' had a track 'Rehnu Tu', in which composer
A.R.Rahman used a new instrument called 'Continuum Fingerboard' in the
postlude of the song. The sound of the tune played in the piece
appeared very 'wind'-y indeed, but what surprised me were the meends
felt in that. intriguing. A small google search revealed that the
instrument was invented recently and its picture was peculiar, because
the instrument did not have keys. Here is a snapshot about the
instrument: Continuum Fingerboard.
While a cursory reading about the instrument paints a vague picture about it, a
demonstration actually showcases what it actually is.
This instrument seems to be having everything in it, to become the next
most sought instrument in classical & fusion music circles of
India. The wide range of possibilities that this instrument can open up
is surely a shot in the arm of people who jam with traditional
keyboards and synthesizers. More, it crosses the limitations of
keyboards such as gamakas and meends and also offers newer
explorative/experimental options in vertical movements, filtered pitch
variations.
Kudos
to the inventor. And pretty often, some people do argue about the
global outlook of A.R.Rahman. While the subject is a matter of
discussion in another post, his selection of this obscure instrument
(obscure for now atleast, within the realm if Indian Film Music) for
playing a medley of Carnatic raagas in the tail-end piece of a Hindi
film-song ballad which has traces of 80s Enlgish pop - well, thats
global outlook indeed.
For
now, I am just imagining the range of possibilities this instrument
offers, particularly in the hands of maverick keyboard artists. Louis
Banks, Loy Mendonsa, Adnan Sami, Viji Manuel, Brian Silas etc. Are you
listening?
