Garmon Examination

[Morne]

I really love the this organ-like tuning they do on some garmons and the pieces they play on them. Although Ive heard these a bunch of times, its still a bit of a surprise when you hear these tiny boxes sounding like that.

The video is an examination done at the Gnessin Russian Academy of Music.

 

[maugein96]

Hi Morne,

Very true indeed. A great sound out of nothing much at all.

Only time I ever heard a garmon being played was a PA version of these (if PA version is the correct term, which it probably isnt). This version of it is popular in Azerbaijan, and the music is/was popular in Turkey, where it is often played in a ensemble alongside an electric guitarist, who often takes the lead from the garmon player. It was fascinating to listen to, but probably wouldnt score a lot of points with forum members.

I rather liked it and would regularly try to find it in the Pera district of Istanbul in the mid 70s. The Azerbaijani guitarists were excellent, but I never had any real interest in garmons, or accordions at that time.

Here is an Azerbaijani Qarmon being played by a top female player of the day:-

https://www.youtube.com/watchv=FRC0HtaF3sY