Pronounced ("con-ya"), this instrument is from the Celtic region of Asturias,
Spain, and sounds similar to the bones, ribs from a goat or sheep. It also sounds
like castanets, a pair of slightly concave wooden shells on a connecting cord
tethered around the thumb, held in one hand, and clapped together with the fingers.
The sound and rhythms played by the canya, are very similar to the sounds and
rhythms played by the Celtic and Flamenco dancers' feet. This instrument is held
vertically by one hand at the base of the cane and struck by the other hand's
thumb and index finger just below the grip. The cane is split partially down the
center allowing the rocking or striking motion at the base of the cane to sympathetically
produce rhythms and sound at the top of the cane.
The WORLD BEATS video features live,
costumed performances of ancient, ethnic, percussive traditions. Aaron Plunkett
puts it all together in this fascinating 33 minute program. SEE
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