The Harp of David In Ethiopia

Description

The Begena is one of those rare musical instruments in the world to have survived more than 5,800 years. What makes it fascinating is not only its age, but also the fact that its construction and use have not changed over the years. It is still made from wood and animal materials, such as sheep intestines for the strings and the leather covering the soundbox. It is used to pray, praise God, and meditate, just as in the past, and it has survived to the present 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 interrupted. So it can be said that it became a popular instrument on the verge of disappearing. The art. But that is no longer the case, especially over the past 15 or 16 years, it has experienced a resurgence of 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 emanates from it, has the particular power to encourage people to focus, to be silent, 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 force them to be silent and concentrate.