Kèn

In today's world, Kèn has become a topic of increasing interest to a wide variety of people. With the advancement of technology and globalization, Kèn has taken a central role in different aspects of modern society. From its impact on the economy to its influence on culture and politics, Kèn has generated debates and discussions around its importance and repercussions. In this article, we will explore the various dimensions of Kèn, analyzing its implications and challenges in today's world. From its origins to its evolution today, Kèn has marked a turning point in the way we approach different aspects of contemporary life.

For other uses, see Ken (disambiguation).
Kèn in the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology
Two rats at the end of the first row in the picture Đám cưới chuột are playing the kèn.

The kèn (Vietnamese: [kɛ̂n]) is an instrument used in traditional Vietnamese music. It has a double reed and a conical wooden body. It produces a powerful and penetrating high-pitched sound, similar to the Chinese suona, the Korean taepyeongso, the Thai Pi, and the Persian/Indian shehnai. Its musical context resembles that of the oboes played by the Tai peoples, who call it the "Pí Lè", and the Muong people, who call it the "Bi". The name "Kèn" is also used to informally refer to Gourd mouth organs.

The best-known player of the kèn is the award-winning musician Nguyễn Ngọc Khánh (b. 1956), who is acknowledged as a "national treasure" in Vietnam, where he is known as "Khánh of the kèn."[1]

Varieties

  • Kèn bầu - with a wooden bell carved in a gourd shape; comes in several sizes
  • Kèn đám ma - with a metal bell; used for funerals in northern Vietnam

References

  1. ^ "The Music". lotusandlightning.com. Archived from the original on 2009-10-05. Retrieved 2009-06-21.


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