Didjeridu

Didjeridu

Three works on the Wild Country programme, ‘Past Life Melodies’ & ‘Gardens of Stone’ & ‘Bird Song at Dusk’ feature the Australian Aboriginal instrument, the didjeridu.

The didjeridu which has become a symbol of Australian Aboriginal music, is originally from Arnhem Land in Northern Australia (where the instrument is known as the Yidaki) and is possibly the world’s oldest instrument. The didjeridu is crafted from a tree or branch which has been hollowed out by termites. Playing it requires a special technique called ‘circular breathing’ which involves breathing in through your nose at the same time as blowing air out through your mouth. This technique allows the player to produce a continuous sound without needing to stop to breathe and is said to induce the alpha brain wave patterns associated with deep meditation.