Fyl-Vira: The Gyra Gourd Fiddle
by Samúr Hapézu

The fyl vi-ra is a traditional stringed instrument from Gyr. Created as a fusion of harp and fiddle, it’s known for it’s piercing, ethereal sound. The fyl vi-ra typically has three primary strings and five sympathetic resonant strings, though this varies depending on locale. It’s used broadly in Gyra folk music as a primary melody instrument. It may be most recognizable as the voice of Gyra salutes and laments common in nautical tradition. 

The primary strings, sometimes referred to as the “lines,” run over a narrow neck, traditionally called the mast, to a arced bridge. They are bowed, typically two at a time, one acting as a drone while the other carries the melody. Running beside the mast are the sympathetic strings, collectively called the sail. As notes are played on the lines, the sail will resonate selectively, depending on how it’s tuned. They act as a sort of natural reverb and theme setter, emphasizing important notes in the scale and giving a backdrop to the melody. Some playing styles also incorporate bowing the sail as a set of drones. 

The fyl vi-ra was originally from the north of Gyr, and took a rather different form than it’s modern construction. It evolved out of the workshops of shipbuilders, many of whom were applied their skills elsewhere during the quiet months. Building novel instruments became a sort of friendly contest. Most of these were rather outlandish, but a few, like the fyl vi-ra eventually grew to see wider use. Early fyl vi-ra had wooden bodies made of thin, bent staves like many of the smaller vessels. It wasn’t until its use spread to the south that the body was replaced with a gourd. This shift is thought to have been caused by the relative ease of construction and the natural resonant properties of south Gyra gourds.

While it would be ignorant and foolhardy to claim anything to be truly universal among Gyra cultures, the fyl vi-ra comes close. Since the war, however, new fyl vi-ra have become increasingly scarce, especially those built and played in the old ways. Most are now passed down within families or between musicians. There has been some attempt at reviving the instrument among the Gyra diaspora, but there are still only a small number of active players. Despite all this it remains a symbol of old Gyr and holds a fond place in the hearts of the Gyra people.

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Nel Tarra:
This tune is a traditional salute to the spring winds. It wasn’t uncommon at dances, but was originally intended to be played as ships left dock in the spring months. It incorporates the rhythmic playing of the sail more common in northern Gyra music.

Nel Tarra // Sailing song for Gyra Fyl Vi-ra

Lament For Old Gyr

Hazéjésukés means "the slow wind just above the haze layer" which is often used as a resting level for Unmoored vessels. Tsasá is the Zé equivalent of a slow march. Tsasá are traditionally work music, setting a slow, deliberate, rhythm to the movement of cargo. This has evolved into it's own form of dance as well.

Hazéjésukés Tsasá

Improv on a double-neck lapsteel tuned DADF#AD /  BDGDAD. An EBow is balanced on the second neck, sustaining the 5th string. A slide is then balanced between the 4th and 5th strings, and can be moved to change the pitch of the drone. This is looped and layered while chords are played on neck #1.

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No Soap Radio is Arya Natarajan (violin) and Eli Turner (cittern). 
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