Finding a new way with the valiha (tube zither video)

Good morning, afternoon, and evening,This instrument is the valiha — a tube zither from Madagascar 🇲🇬I’ve never quite figured out how to hold it comfortably. As a guzheng (古筝) musician and pianist, I’m used to having my fingers free while playing.Today, I finally found a way to play the valiha without having to hold it with my hands.With the birds chirping and my neighbor cutting the lawn in the background in Nashville, I improvised this little song. Keeping my eyes closed while playing liberated my mind — my heart felt closer to my fingers, and I could truly feel the sensation between my fingertips and the thin metal strings, as well as the sound vibrations from the bamboo body against my forehead.A little background on how these valihas came to me:They are gifts from my dear friend Professor Tasha Rijke-Epstein. She teaches history at Vanderbilt University, and her main research field is Madagascar history and culture. When she found out that I’m a composer, musician, and string player, she showed me her valiha — which had been sitting in her house for many years, unplayed. I immediately started playing and making songs on it. She wanted me to have it right away. Then she brought me another one from her work trip to Madagascar.There is an author named Raharimanana Jean Luc from Madagascar (Tasha’s colleague) who has released a new book called Return (link here). Jean Luc is also a valiha master.@uklelebob1 on Substack sent me this video of a master musician from Madagascar playing three different valihas anbd singing to it. Very inspiring:Watch hereWatching this valiha musician gives me so many ideas about what’s possible — plucking techniques, patterns and styles, and new tunings. I also learned that the valiha is a cousin to the Sasando (from Indonesia); both are Austronesian bamboo tube zithers, connected across two sides of the Indian Ocean.I’ve been fascinated by the world’s string instruments, their history, and their connections. It’s such a fun way to learn history and get closer to the truth. Knowing how many beautiful things humans have invented that have helped each other through countless difficult times — it really makes me feel hopeful that we, humans, can make something beautiful that will outlast the ugliness with time. 😃I want to share my appreciation to all the paid and free subscribers! The very recent ones and the ones who’ve been with me from May 2020 when I started my first substack post! Thank YOU!!! Wu Fei 吴非wufeimusic.comwufeimusic.bandcamp.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit wufeimusic.substack.com/subscribe