#3607: Music for Dulcimer and Zither

Hear new music for dulcimers and zithers on this New Sounds program.  Listen to music featuring hammer dulcimer and other folk instruments by Julia Wolfe in her work “Steel Hammer,” based on the 19^th C. folk legend John Henry. Wolfe takes all of the different versions of the story and assembles them in a setting for the Bang on a Can All-Stars and the Trio Mediaeval.  There’s also Americana-like strings meeting minimalism in music for hammer dulcimer and harpsichord along with violin and cello in a work called “Percussion and Strings” from the Dan Joseph Ensemble.  Plus, music for George Crumb involving the strings on the inside of the piano.  

Listen to a classic recording of amplified zither music from Laraaji, produced by Brian Eno, called “Day of Radiance,” from Eno’s groundbreaking “Ambient Music” series.  Then, hear music from the now-defunct Polish duo, Orchestra of the 8^th Day, who blend acoustic guitar, and the Fischer fidola, a kind of “vintage” zither that dates back to the 1900’s, which can be bowed, strummed, struck and plucked.  Also, music for dulcimer and PVC pipes, and more.

PROGRAM #3607  music for dulcimer and zither (First aired on 6/5/2014)