- Atenteben
The "atenteben (atɛntɛbɛn)" is a
bamboo flute fromGhana . It is played vertically, like the Europeanrecorder , and, like the recorder, can be played diatonically as well as chromatically. Although originally used as a traditional instrument (most often in funeral processions), beginning in the 20th century it has also been used in contemporary and classical music. Several players have attained high levels of virtuosity and are able to play Western as well as African music on the instrument.The instrument originated with the Akan ethnic group of south-central Ghana, particularly in the region of the
Kwahu Plateau . It was first popularized throughout the nation by the Ghanaian musicologist Dr.Ephraim Amu (1899-1995). It was also featured in the Pan African Orchestra, led byNana Danso Abiam , andDela Botri , a former member of the Orchestra, is among Ghana's foremost exponents of the instrument. Since 2004, Botri has combined the atenteben withhip life music on his recordings.The instrument is used in many schools and universities across Ghana, both as a solo and ensemble instrument. An instruction manual for the "atenteben" has been written by Dr.
Kwasi Aduonum (b. 1939), a Ghanaian educator, scholar, and composer from the Kwahu Plateau region.The Nigerian composer
Akin Euba (b. 1935) featured a children's "atenteben" ensemble in his opera "Chaka: An Opera in Two Chants" (1970).External links
* [http://www.africa-can.org/FILES/ghana/html/dbotri_index.htm Dela Botri page]
Video
* [http://www.africa-can.org/FILES/ghana/html/dbotri_index.htm Dela Botri page] (links on left side of page)
ee also
*
Music of Ghana
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