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Glenn Morgan and the hammered dulcimer
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This article will present a brief history of the hammered dulcimer and one particular dulcimer musician.
The hammered dulcimer can be traced back to the 9th century and it very likely originated in the Middle East. An example would be the Persian santur. Predecessors of the hammered dulcimer are also found in Northern India and Kashmir. An instrument I became familiar with in a study of Armenian musical instruments is the kanoon. This instrument is plucked as opposed to being struck. It is very likely that both instruments come from the same origins. A true dulcimer is related to the psaltery. The psaltery, like the kanoon, is a plucked instrument. A correlation can be made between the harpsichord and the piano. The former is plucked and the latter is struck. The two methods of sound production are easily distinguished by the listener. A more familiar plucked type of dulcimer is the Appalachian dulcimer of American folklore. The Hungarian, or Gypsy, version of the hammered dulcimer is the cimbalom. This instrument was brought to world attention with the Hary Janos Suite by Zoltan Kodaly. The cimbalom strings are also struck in a very similar manner of the hammered dulcimer. The hammered dulcimer is experiencing a resurgence of popularity and this is due to the role is has played in Renaissance Faires. Glenn Morgan must take responsibility, at least in part, for this resurgence.
Glenn’s history goes back to 1981 and one of the first Renaissance Faires that was in the oak woodlands of Marin County's Black Point. I remember attending this event back in my hippie days. Then it seemed that the hippies were already in costume (tongue in cheek). The closing of this special event brought a very special era to a sad end. Glenn goes back to this faire and so his experience spans over 28 years. This deserves a resounding hazaah! He clearly demonstrates a mastery of his instrument. His music adds a special musical element that helps to take us back in history to the days of knights and royalty and the fantasies associated with them. A visit to his Web site will provide you with a schedule of his upcoming events. You can also purchase his CDs and find a link to a site where you can purchase a hammered dulcimer. After the initial publishing of this article, Glenn sent me some feedback that states he is a relative newcomer to the Renaissance Faire circuit. And, that there are musicians that have been with the circuit since the early 1970s. I have yet to meet these individuals. I will be looking for them in the future.
Glenn truly has great technique and musicality. This one of those instruments that looks easier to play than it really is. He has a varied and substantial repertoire. His CDs will testify to this. His playing draws crowds who will sit and listen for long periods. His talent also brings other musicians to him and before you know it, he is playing in an impromptu ensemble. Glenn must be considered one of the best examples of hammered dulcimer musicians in the United States. He is an example of the lesser know musicians that are overlooked simply because of his venues and his instrument. This is a great loss to those who still have never heard of a hammered dulcimer or the music of Glenn Morgan or have never attended a Renaissance Faire. I say to these individuals – go to a Renaissance Faire, eat a turkey leg, take in all the events and sights, buy a sword or other souvenir, and go listen to Glenn Morgan. You may have an epiphany and a new outlook on life. Thank you Glenn.
The photographs with this article are from the Santa Cruz Scottish Renaissance Festival from last weekend.
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