Zamzama: What exactly is it

[M Thakur]

I have heard the word zamzama used in context of fast gamak like tan.
I would think that it might be called jamjama in most parts where z in
not spoken. I think in urdu zamzama literally means a cannon.

Anyone knows what exactly zamzama refers to?

Thanks
MT

[naniwadekar]

"M Thakur" <tha...@news.icns.com> wrote in message
news:3725b568.02060...@posting.google.com...

Do a google search on rmic archives for past discussions
about zamzama.

- dn

[Rajan P. Parrikar]

tha...@news.icns.com (M Thakur) writes:

"Zamzama" has a few connotations attached to it (just like
the terms "tAna" or "gamaka" do). In sitar technique, however,
there is a precise meaning attached to it. Abdul Halim
Jaffer Khan has explained it in his book "Jafferkhani Baj"
and the accompanying CD-ROM has him demonstrating it.

"The zamzama is a kured, with a simultaneous mizrab stroke.
This creates two notes in one stroke of the mizrab in a
descending movement, the dominant note being the second.
For example, a note, (say Sa) is created by a kured or
jerky strike by the middle finger of the LEFT hand itself
at the position of the fret of the next note (Re), while
pressing down the fret with the index finger of the LEFT
hand at Sa. The notes heard are Re Sa in quick succession,
and the dominant note being Sa, this is called the zamzama
of Sa. The time interval roughly is one-fourth on Re and
three-fourth on Sa. The zamzama is a common technique
among sitarists. The tonal chcteristic of notes produced
through this technique is distinctive to zamzama, and serves
to enhance the continuity of the sound."

Note: Preceding zamzama is a definition and demonstration
of kured.

Warm regards,

r