Saung
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The saung (Burmese: Burmese: 
; MLCTS: caung: kauk; IPA: [sáʊngaʊʔ] also known as the saung-gauk, Burmese harp, or Myanmar harp) is a traditional musical instrument of Myanmar (Burma) made of sixteen silk strings attached to a neck by red cotton tuning cords terminating in large tassels. It has a boat-shaped resonator with a neck carved from a root. The neck terminates in a highly decorated representation of the bo tree leaf. The saung is decorated with pieces of mica ("Mandalay pearls"), glass, gilt, and red and black paint. The stand is similarly decorated.
The saung is regarded as a highly refined part of Myanmar's national culture and heritage. Performers of Burmese classical music often sing while accompanying themself with the instrument.
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[edit] Films
In 1956, the Japanese film director Kon Ichikawa made an Oscar nominated anti-war film called The Burmese Harp (Biruma no tategoto), set in Burma during World War II, and having a main character who plays the saung.
[edit] External links
- The Burmese Saung Gauk - includes a picture, information, and a sample song
- A Brief History of Saung - Saung History by Myanmar-Image
[edit] Audio
- The Burmese Saung Sample - Sample song clip of Burmese Saung
- Classical saung-gauk audio sample
[edit] Video
- The Burmese Saung Video - Video of a participant playing in a competition (National level in Myanmar)
