Inspired by Tradition – Harmony Outdoor Xylophone

Along with rice, another crop harvested in Vietnam is bamboo. Bamboo has long been used as an assembly material in Asia because of its versatility and it has numerous uses. After it is split, bamboo can be used for fences, baskets, and mats. The stems can make simple furniture, hunting implements, traps and musical instruments.

Two of the most popular traditional folk instruments in Vietnam are made from bamboo—the bamboo flute and the bamboo ‘hanging’ xylophone. The flute is found in most regions, while the xylophone hails from the mountainous region and is called a T’Rung. The T’Rung is an idiophone, percussive instrument made from lengths of bamboo in differing sizes. Traditionally, the T’rung would be suspended at the top from a tree and bound to the players belly at the bottom. It would be played with two double sticks which perfectly cover the range of one octave. After playing it would be rolled up and carried away on the players back.

The design of Percussion Play’s ‘Harmony’ is inspired by this traditional instrument. However, as with all our instruments, it has been substantially redesigned to withstand the rigours of being permanently installed in an outdoor environment. The eleven thick anodised aluminium tubes are arranged lengthwise, horizontally and supported by heavy-duty nylon coated galvanised steel cables. The notes are suspended harmonically in a C-Major Pentatonic arrangement producing a bright, happy, sound.

Playing the Harmony evokes positive and calm, peaceful feelings. Hoa bình!