[ad_1]Dijilele instrument prototypes, design (L& R) and in use (Middle) (Images courtesy of Dijilele)Microtonal music is gaining popularity in the pop scene lately, thanks to the unexpected success of the Québec band Angine de Poitrine. However, microtonal music has a rich history that stretches back thousands of years in classical Indian, Persian, and Arabic/Turkish maqam traditions. In Europe, explorations into microtonal music can be traced back to the 17th century. These traditions continue through acoustic instruments like the Persian setar, which belongs to the lute family. Yet until now, once you ventured into digital music production, there weren't any dedicated instruments designed for creating microtones. Dijilele is a new company based in Waterloo, Ontario that recently showcased an innovative line of instruments at Toronto's Queen Street West Art Crawl. The demonstration featured award-winning composer and performer Dr. Mehrdad Jafari Raad alongside Wilfrid Laurier Faculty of Music student Jonathan Markov. The company’s two latest creations - Dijilele M and Dijilele S - are currently in production. These sensor-based digital instruments aim to make creating music and microtonal sounds accessible even for beginners. The Dijilele S looks like a soprano ukulele and blends digital with electronic elements in a fretted format. The Dijilele M allows for various microtonal scales and tunings while building on the acoustic ukulele's capabilities that are limited to fixed notes within 12-tone equal temperament. It pushes past what traditional fretted instruments can do. Dr. Mehrdad Jafari Raad utilizes the Dijilele as a MIDI controller loaded with different sounds: DetailsBoth Dijilele models can be played solo or used as MIDI controllers, giving users a chance to explore both traditional Western music and microtonality.SpecsThe Dijilele M comes packed with features aimed at making it easy to use while encouraging exploration.40 frets, 40 tuning options; Customizable tunings and pitch systems; 2.5-octaves sound range; An ergonomic design that suits players of all sizes; One-click left-handed mode; Headphone jack for private practice anywhere; 128 onboard sounds available; MIDI capability for integrating with apps, software instruments, and countless digital sounds.LV sat down with Ali Tehrani and Mehrdad Jafari Raad from Dijilele to discuss these groundbreaking instruments.Ali Tehrani and Mehrdad Jafari Raad: The InterviewRaad teaches using both the Dijilele S and M models. “The instrument we call the Dijilele is modeled after an Iranian instrument known as the setar,” Raad explains. “It’s quite popular,” he adds. "This is its electronic counterpart. You play it just like you would play the setar-the handling and playing techniques are identical.” He points out that while there are several digital fretted instruments available already-like MIDI guitars-they can't produce microtones without modification. The acoustic setar requires fingernails for playing-a technique that takes time to master effectively according to Tehrani. “It has four strings played using your nails.” He mentions it has a rich history spanning over 2,000 years. "I used to play this myself," he continues. "I thought it'd be fantastic if we could create a digital version so more people could access it." While producing sound isn’t too challenging on its own, mastering traditional techniques on the setar usually takes years of practice. "I thought if I made this digital version easier to learn," Tehrani states. "It's tough convincing someone they need two or three years before they can really use it." The digital design focuses on user-friendliness. “It doesn’t require precise strumming methods,” Ali says. “This opens up opportunities for Western musicians looking to experiment with microtones.” Taking note of how some Western musicians modify keyboards or guitars for microtonal output-or manipulate sounds via DAWs-Tehrani admits that often demands technical expertise. “They’ll re-tune standard keyboards into desirable frequencies.” This new instrument series comes equipped with those functions built-in!A Labour of LoveFrom his original idea onward, Tehrani engaged in numerous experiments leading up to prototypes being made.“I’ve been working on this since 2011,” he shares. “What seemed straightforward at first turned out much more complex than I anticipated.” He recalls making his first prototype back then which led him seeking feedback from musicians thereafter.“It took several years before arriving at something playable by everyone from novices right up through advanced players." By 2015 he had developed models which were shown off at various music festivals looking again for critiques.“It was an evolutionary process getting here-where anyone can pick it up comfortably,” Tehrani says.“In acoustic versions particularly because strings must be pressed against frets firmly enough generates stronger notes requiring calluses-some people struggle with this discomfort.”His goal was introducing an instrument not requiring such extensive physical adjustments: “That way players will stick around longer.”Students learn the Dijilele (Photo courtesy of Dijilele)A Teaching InstrumentA seasoned teacher himself，Mehrdad Jafari Raad fully understands beginner students' challenges."Last year we started working with several students completely new even without prior experience，” he remarks.“I've seen them able make recognizable sounds almost immediately using this instrument compared against learning how long it typically takes when starting out with acoustic setars.""With regular setars students often spend weeks just reaching basic proficiency，” he elaborates.“For example each hand needs separate attention till they master essential movements required."This digital option eliminates initial struggles allowing learners collaborate musically sooner than expected. "They quickly begin performing together as ensembles,"he acknowledges,“while it's simplified material still wouldn't have been feasible if using classic tar or similar stringed devices found across Iran, Azerbaijan, and nearby regions.""That aspect intrigued me because once these students feel engaged creating melodies they're far more likely continue pursuing their musical journey," adds Raad.A Growing InterestThe ultimate aim remains nurturing interest towards traditional setups later down-the-line.“We hope eventually expose them toward enjoying classic instrumentation，”Tehrani expresses.“A slight adjustment might needed during transition phases” however continued progress remains attainable easily outweighing starting fresh altogether.”“When I envisioned this project my desire focused around providing gateways where newcomers engaging our culture through contemporary means may ignite interests stemming back deep historical roots surrounding original forms”Ali states excitedly.After few months practicing utilizing digitally equipped versions most learners could navigate acoustics seamlessly applying familiar techniques successfully.“Realizing major goals came true here illustrates intercultural exchanges foster beauty worth sharing among societies alike ,” highlights Tehrani enthusiastic."Pushing boundaries proves harder convincing Westerners trying grasping complexities involved - yet creating stunning sonorities happens within ten minutes!""I recall teaching one Canadian student simple Persian tune merely taking couple minutes achieving joyfully !" concludes Ali cheerfully.Production UpdatesCurrently manufacturing occurs overseas located China anticipating early December delivery timelines.”As per Tehrani updates hint newer designs differ subtly deviating shapes noted throughout earlier footage shared above."Modifications focus enhancing versatility catered multiple instrumentalists preferences present when shifting from written manuscripts onto modern day DAW interfaces altering compositional approaches entirely.【People compose differently but ideas remain intact 】but processes vary greatly depending instrumentation utilized explains significantly! ” outlines Rahd clearly regarding integration between old practices transitioning modern compositions."The ability hold such versatile tool capable producing micro tonals effortlessly ensures unique composing experiences arise further inspiring creativity all around!” adds reaffirmatively !【An instrument indeed acts crucially partnering collaborations artistically exploring diversely!】"Learn MoreYou can find out more about the Dijilele company and instrument line [HERE]. You can preorder a Djilie[HERE].Are you looking promote event ? Have news tip ? Send us note.#LUDWIGVANGet daily arts news straight inbox.Sign up Ludwig Van Toronto e-Blast! - local classical culture opera news sent directly HERE![ad_2]Source link
