The Harp of David In Ethiopia

Description

The Begena is one of those rare musical instruments in the world to have survived for more than 5,800 years. What makes it fascinating is not only its age, but also the fact that its making and use have not changed over the years. It is still made from wood and animal materials, such as sheep gut for the strings and the leather covering the soundbox. It is used to pray, praise God, and meditate, as it was in the past, and it has survived to this day. Under the Derg regime, after the overthrow of Emperor Haile Selassie, it was no longer considered important. As for the Begena, broadcast on the radio during the fasting period, all of that was stopped. So it can be said that it has become a popular instrument in decline. Art. But that is no longer the case, especially over the past 15 or 16 years, it has seen a renewed interest. There are many Begena players, mainly young people. There are still luthiers who make this instrument for new students. What is interesting about this instrument is that the music, or the sound that comes from it, has the special power to prompt people to focus, to be quiet, to let themselves be carried away by their thoughts, to think about what is being said. It is a special quality. There is no need to be Ethiopian, anyone can listen to it, it will automatically make them be quiet and concentrate.