Dan Co (Nhi) (2 string fiddle)
The
Dan Nhi is popular among several ethnic groups in Vietnam. It is
also refered to as Dan Co in southern provinces of Viet Nam.
The Dan Nhi is somewhat a sort of vertical violin with two strings,
held in front of the player like a small cello and played with a
bow. In the past, Dan Nhi strings were made from silk, but today
Dan Nhi craftsfolk prefer metal. The frets on the neck are made
from horse-tail hair, and the body is covered with snake skin. The
bow is made of bamboo or wood and fitted with horsehair. The hair
goes through the space between the strings.
The sound of the Dan Nhi is said to imitate that of a singer. It
can be played in either short staccato notes or longer chords and
can be played slow or fast to suit any composition.
The Dan Nhi is capable of great flexibility in range, tone, and
dynamics. The sound of the Dan Nhi is said to imitate that of a
singer. It can be played in either short staccato notes or longer
chords and can be played slow or fast to suit any composition.
There are three holding positions: The cornet is pressed against
the musician's hip as he or she walks. The wooden resonant box is
held between the musician's knees if sitting on a stool. The cylinder
is held between the musician's feet if sitting on the ground.
The two-string fiddle, with its melodious sounds, can express the
subtle mood of a human's soul. Due to its diverse use, the Dan Nhi
is dispensable in traditional musical orchestras.