The 5 Basic Quenas for Professional Wind Musicians: Exploring the Tonalities

 

The quena, an ancestral wind instrument that emanates captivating melodies, has been a cornerstone of Andean music for centuries. Its versatility, beauty, and ability to convey deep emotions make it an essential instrument for professional musicians. In this article, we will explore the 5 basic quenas that every professional wind musician should have in their repertoire, highlighting the tonalities and nuances that each one brings to their music. 

1. Quenacho in C Major

The quenacho in C Major is a fundamental choice for the professional musician. Its tonality allows for the interpretation of songs in D minor and A minor, making it the perfect option for musical pieces with a melancholic, smooth, and relaxing tone. Its deep sound adds a unique richness and depth to compositions. 

2. Quenacho in D Major

The quenacho in D Major is another essential component in the wind musician's repertoire. Although its sound is slightly higher than the quenacho in C Major, it still brings a unique depth to compositions. With the ability to play songs in E minor and B minor, this instrument is perfect for pieces that require a this range of tonalities.

3. Quena in F Major

The quena in F Major is the ideal choice when seeking softer and more delicate sounds. This tonality allows for the interpretation of songs in G minor and D minor, offering a more delicate option for playing melodies that require a special touch. It is perfect for pieces that aim for a soft and emotive nuance. 

4. Quena in G Major: The Favorite and Most Versatile

The quena in G Major is undoubtedly the most commonly used by professional wind musicians. Its versatility allows for playing songs in A minor and E minor naturally, and with skill, it is possible to obtain tonalities in B minor and D minor. The choice of this tonality is essential to accommodate the key in which the singer is performing, making it a crucial element in any musical ensemble. 

5. Quena in A Major: Perfect for Specific Tonalties

Last but not least, the quena in A Major is essential for playing in tonalities such as B minor and F# minor. In certain regions, such as Ecuador, it is widely used to interpret san juanito in B minor, as well as in the Peruvian huayno. This quena is indispensable for preserving the authenticity of specific musical traditions. 

In summary, the choice of quenas for a professional wind musician is a crucial decision. Each tonality offers unique nuances and depth to the music, and the combination of these quenas in the repertoire allows for a versatile and moving performance. An experienced musician knows that they don't just play the quena but also immerse themselves in the essence of each tonality, conveying emotions and stories through music. Each quena is a brush in the hands of an artist, and the choice of these five basic tonalities is essential for painting an exceptional musical canvas.

The Ocarina: A Journey Through Time and Music

 

The Ocarina: A Journey Through Time and Music

The ocarina is a wind musical instrument that has captivated people of all ages and cultures throughout history. Its distinctive shape and charming sound make it an object of fascination for both musicians and enthusiasts. In this article, we will explore the history and versatility of the ocarina, from its origins to its place in contemporary music.

Ancient Origins

The history of the ocarina dates back thousands of years. Primitive examples of this instrument have been found in different parts of the world, such as China, South America, and Africa. However, the most well-known and refined version of the ocarina comes from the ancient Mayan civilization in Mesoamerica.

The Maya created elaborate ocarinas in a variety of shapes and sizes. These ocarinas were made of clay and often had an artistic appearance with intricate decorations. They were used in both religious ceremonies and daily life.

The Renaissance of the Ocarina

Although Mayan ocarinas were impressive, the modern ocarina as we know it today was developed in the 19th century in Italy. It was a man named Giuseppe Donati who perfected the design and manufacturing technique of the ocarina. The Italian version of the ocarina had a characteristic oval shape and a hole system that allowed playing a wide range of notes.

Donati popularized the ocarina throughout Europe and eventually, the instrument crossed the ocean to America. During World War I and World War II, ocarinas became a welcome distraction for soldiers and were widely distributed in military camps.

The Ocarina in Popular Culture

The ocarina gained worldwide notoriety thanks to video games, particularly the "The Legend of Zelda" series, where the main character, Link, uses a magical ocarina to solve puzzles and advance the storyline. This sparked a resurgence in the instrument's popularity, and many young people were drawn to the idea of learning to play the ocarina.

The Ocarina in Contemporary Music

The ocarina has found its place in contemporary music and has been used in a variety of genres, from classical music to pop and folk. Its sweet and melodic sound makes it ideal for playing simple yet emotional melodies.

Today, ocarinas are manufactured from ceramics, plastic, and other materials, expanding their accessibility and versatility. Modern musicians have also experimented with electronic versions of the ocarina, incorporating effects and amplification to create a unique sound.

In summary, the ocarina is a fascinating musical instrument with a rich history and versatility that makes it relevant even in contemporary music. Its ability to evoke emotions and connect with people of all ages ensures that it will continue to be appreciated worldwide.

Harmony and Healing: Native Flute Therapy

 

 *"Harmony and Healing: Native Flute Therapy"*

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Music has always had the power to touch our souls and heal our emotional wounds. In the world of sound therapy, Native flutes hold a special place. These handmade instruments, crafted with care and precision, have been used for centuries by various indigenous cultures in rituals and ceremonies. Native flute therapy is a form of healing that harnesses the beauty and depth of their melodies to promote well-being and harmony in mind, body, and spirit.

**The Power of Vibration**

Native flute therapy is based on the principle that the vibration of music can influence our life energy. Each note, each melody, is like a key that can unlock trapped emotions and tension in the body. Native flutes, with their soft and melodic tone, emit sounds that resonate in the mind and heart, inviting relaxation and reflection.

**Effects on Mental Health**

Native flute therapy is used to treat a variety of mental health disorders, such as stress, anxiety, and depression. The soothing and evocative music can induce a state of deep calm, which is beneficial for people experiencing high emotional tension. Meditation and mindfulness are common tools in Native flute therapy, helping patients connect with themselves and release negative thoughts.

**Spiritual and Emotional Healing**

Native flute therapy not only addresses mental health but also focuses on spiritual and emotional healing. The sounds of the Native flute can open doors to spirituality and connect us with nature and the spiritual world. Some people report that Native flute therapy sessions help them release past traumas, forgive, and find a deeper sense of purpose in life.

**Connection with Nature**

Native flutes are often associated with nature, as their music evokes the gentle breeze, bird songs, and the flow of rivers. Native flute therapy can be especially effective for those seeking a greater connection with nature and wishing to balance their relationship with the natural environment.

**Conclusion**

Native flute therapy is a healing modality that uses music as a means to achieve harmony and balance in our lives. Whether to alleviate stress, promote mental health, heal emotional wounds, or connect with spirituality, Native flutes offer a path to inner peace and healing. If you are looking for a unique and powerful way to find tranquility and healing, Native flute therapy may be the answer you've been seeking.

The Song of the Magic Flute: The Legend of Nuvia and the Native Flute

 

Long ago, in the lands of Native Americans, there was a legend of Nuvia, a young woman belonging to the Lakota tribe. Nuvia was known in her community for her love and skill in playing the native flute, an instrument that connects the spirit to nature and the spiritual world.

The legend tells that Nuvia, from an early age, displayed an innate gift for music. Her flute, crafted from cedarwood and adorned with sacred symbols of her tribe, resonated in a special way. People of the tribe said that her music had the power to heal broken hearts and calm storms in the soul.

One day, as Nuvia played her flute deep in the forest, a mysterious white wolf approached her. This wolf, with eyes that seemed to reflect the sparkle of the stars, appeared to communicate with Nuvia through its gaze. Intrigued, Nuvia continued to play her flute, and the white wolf began to dance to the rhythm of her music.

 

The dance of the white wolf was so hypnotic that Nuvia couldn't stop but keep playing, and together they created a magical harmony that resonated throughout the region. The legend says that as Nuvia played, the plants bloomed, the rivers flowed with greater force, and the animals joined in the dance of the wolf.

After hours of music and dance, the white wolf finally stopped and looked at Nuvia with gratitude in its eyes. Then, it slowly retreated into the forest and vanished.

The Lakota tribe regarded this encounter as a sign that Nuvia had been blessed by the spirits and gifted with the power of music to heal and unite people and nature.

From that day on, Nuvia continued to play her native flute, sharing her music with her tribe and beyond. She became a spiritual healer and a guardian of the harmony between humanity and nature.

The legend of Nuvia and the native flute reminds us of the deep connection between music, the spirit, and the world around us. The native flute, often used in sacred ceremonies and rituals, is considered an instrument that can bring peace, healing, and unity to those who play and listen to it.

This legend invites us to appreciate the beauty and magic of native flute music, reminding us that through music, we can connect with the divine and find peace in our hearts, just as Nuvia did in that magical dance with the white wolf in the heart of the forest.

How musical instruments were tuned in the Inca culture

 

 

The Inca culture, which flourished in ancient Peru from about the 15th century until the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century, had its own musical and tuning practices. Although we do not have detailed records of how they precisely tuned their instruments, we can infer some things about their music and tuning based on the information available about their instruments and musical traditions. 

 

The Incas used a variety of musical instruments, some of which included: 

1. **Quenas**: As I mentioned previously in another article, quenas are wind instruments from the flute family that were played by blowing air through them. The tuning of the Inca quenas could vary, but they were generally adapted to the pentatonic scale, which consists of five notes and is common in many musical cultures around the world.

 

2. **Drums and percussion**: The Incas also used drums and other percussion instruments. The tuning of these instruments may vary depending on their construction and specific purpose. Hand drums, for example, were tuned by hitting different areas of the drum surface to obtain different pitches. 

 

3. **String instruments**: The Incas did not know string musical instruments until Spanish colonization. When they discovered the guitar, they modified it until they obtained the "charango", a type of small string guitar, similar to the lute. The tuning of these instruments was probably based on specific scales and varied depending on the music to be performed. 

 

 

 

4. **Ceremonies and rituals**: Music in Inca culture played a fundamental role in religious ceremonies and rituals. In these cases, the tuning could have been related to spiritual and symbolic aspects of the music, rather than a specific tuning in terms of Hertzian frequencies. In summary, although we do not have exact tuning in hertz like that used in contemporary Western music, we know that Inca music was based on specific scales and modes, and that instruments were tuned according to their musical and cultural traditions. Inca music played an important role in the life of this ancient civilization, both religiously and socially, and followed musical patterns and structures specific to their time and culture.

 

 

MAINTENANCE OF QUENAS, ZAMPOÑAS, PANFLUTES

 

 

One of the biggest enemies of our bamboo and wood flutes is fungi. When stored for a long time, fungi can grow inside or accumulate dust, which affects the sound of the flute.

Here are some tips that can be applied to the care of your quena or pan flute:

1. After using our wind instruments and before storing them, we must remove any saliva that may have remained. Using a cotton cloth, disinfect the mouthpiece of the tube with 75% medical alcohol.

2. Then sprinkle the inside and outside with almond oil (it can also be coconut oil, olive oil, linseed oil). To apply the oil to the inside of the tube, use a brush of the type used to clean test tubes which has the proper diameter to enter the flute.

 

You can make an oiling tool inside the flutes yourself using a wooden stick or reed with pieces of string tied at the end.

3. If you have stored your flute for a long time, before using it be sure to clean the dust that may be inside. To do this, clean it with a clean test tube brush and then apply almond oil.

4. In case of finding your flute with fungus, clean with a cloth soaked in sodium hypochlorite. Let dry. Then apply almond oil.

5. Always use your flute lightly oiled for more beautiful sounds.

6. Never oil a quena made of bone. The bone tends to stain and lose its beauty.

7. Avoid leaving your flute in direct sunlight for long periods of time. Extreme heat can dry out or crack your flute.

8. Avoid hitting your flute. A small crack may not be seen and it will change the sound of the flute.

9. Extreme temperatures temporarily alter the pitch of flutes made of bamboo. Bamboo flutes are tuned to be played at a certain temperature (Saloon temperture).

10. If you are a beginner in quena, or do not have enough force to blow, ask to the makerfluter a thinner quena than the standard one.