The Acoustic Magic of Vietnam: What Kni and Bro Sound Like
The K'ni and Bro are two rare instruments of the peoples of the Central Highlands of Vietnam, whose traditional music is based on an organic combination of natural materials and expressive acoustic techniques.
The K'ni is a single-stringed bowed chordophone, unique in that it transmits vibrations from the string through a thin cord to the performer's teeth, transforming the mouth into a living resonator capable of altering the timbre and amplifying the sound, creating a ghostly, almost human-like sound with a touch of ritual mysticism.
The Bro is a bamboo zither with a gourd resonator, utilizing the gentle vibration of bamboo and the deep resonance of the dried gourd to create a soft, enveloping timbre characteristic of the musical traditions of the Bahnar, Zo Dang, Ede, Zherai, and Stien tribes. The contrast between K'ni's vocal tones and Bro's warm melodic quality creates a unique soundscape that reflects the spiritual and everyday life of the peoples of the highlands of Vietnam.
