Marovany Explained

The marovany (formerly spelled marouvane^[1]) is a suitcase shaped, wooden, type of box zither from Madagascar, used in Malagasy music.^[2] It is strung on both sides with metal strings. The player plucks the strings with both hands, often with rapid alternation. This often creates complex rhythmic patterns, typical of Malagasy music.^[3] It is tuned in sequences of thirds. The instrument is commonly used in rituals and spiritual gatherings.^[4]

Cultural significance

The marovany and other instruments are used by Madagascar musical troupes at reburial ceremonies, where the music is believed to help a medium better enter a trance state during rituals which will only be successful if the correct type of music is being played.^[5]

See also

• Music of Madagascar
• Valiha

External links

• Guitar Masters of Madagascar by Danny Carnahan

Notes and References

1. William Lines Hubbard, George W. Andrews, Edward Dickinson, Arthur Foote, Emil Liebling I. Squire, The American History and Encyclopedia of Musical Instruments (1908): 162.
2. Web site: Glossary. Afropop Worldwide. World Music Productions. 2009-10-15. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20091015004653/http://www.afropop.org/explore/glossary.php. 2009-10-15.
3. Rakotomalala, Mireille. 1998. "Performance in Madagascar." In Africa: Garland Encyclopedia of World Music, edited by Ruth Stone. New York: Garland Publishing Inc., pp. 781-792.
4. "Madagascar." Oxford Music Online. Oxford University Press, 2007-2013. Web. 16 Sept. 2013.
5. Book: Sibree, James. Madagascar Before the Conquest. Macmillan. 24 September 2013. 1896.