Bandura

• We have recreated the sound of the Bandura by recording each note with the highest quality using close and room microphones.
• Each sample is recorded in 4 dierent dynamic layers: p, mf, f and ff.
• A carefully designed interface, combined with selected functions, allows you to control the recorded samples with maximum accuracy, making the sound as natural as possible.
• Explore 8 articulations to fuel your creativity: Sustain, Tape, Staccato, Harmonics, Glissando Up, Glissando Down, Glissando 8, and FX.
• A specially crafted reverb featuring recorded impulse responses from some of the most iconic historical sites in Kyiv. Now, you can experience the emulated acoustics of St. Sophia Cathedral, the Recording House of Radio Ukraine, St. Andrew's Church, and other locations with unique acoustics.
• A collection of effects is designed to complement the instrument's timbre, allowing you to create a distinctive sound for any style.
• Additionally, you'll find 19 custom presets to help you get started quickly and experiment creatively with the sound.

Bandura, a traditional Ukrainian folk instrument, is a blend of a lute and a harp, characterized by its large body and numerous strings, typically ranging from 36 to 68. Played by plucking or strumming the strings, the Bandura produces a rich, resonant sound that has made it a staple in Ukrainian music for centuries.

This instrument has deep historical roots in Ukrainian culture and was traditionally used to accompany vocal performances, particularly in epic storytelling known as duma (epic ballads). Bandura players, known as bandurists, have been revered for their ability to evoke emotion and narrative through their intricate playing. The Bandura became especially popular in the 19th and early 20th centuries, playing an important role in the Ukrainian national revival movements and cultural identity.

The Bandura's use extends across a variety of genres, from folk and classical to contemporary music. In Western Ukraine, particularly in the Cossack culture, the Bandura was a central instrument in the orchestral ensembles, often paired with other traditional instruments such as the kobza and violin. Its sound is deeply woven into the fabric of Ukrainian traditions, from village celebrations to state ceremonies.

One of the defining features of the Bandura is its ability to capture the diverse emotions of Ukrainian music. Whether used in solemn and reflective dumky (slow, melancholic pieces) or lively dance rhythms, the Bandura’s unique voice brings a sense of nostalgia and authenticity to any performance.

In the 20th century, the Bandura experienced a revival, with the creation of larger concert models and the development of new playing techniques. Today, the Bandura continues to be taught in Ukrainian music schools and universities, preserving its role as a symbol of national pride.

The Bandura’s influence has spread beyond Ukraine’s borders, with musicians around the world incorporating its haunting sound into diverse musical genres. From folk ensembles to symphonic orchestras, the Bandura has found its place in international stages, adding a distinct Ukrainian avor to global music festivals and performances. As both an instrument and a symbol, the Bandura continues to embody the spirit of Ukrainian heritage, bridging the past with the present. Whether heard in traditional folk settings or modern compositions, the Bandura remains a powerful voice in the musical world, capturing the soul of Ukraine in every note.

• 8 articulations
• 4 round robins
• Up to 4 dynamic layers
• Kontakt 6.4.2 or higher
• Built-in custom eects
• 33 custom-made presets by composers Alex Goroshko, Olexandr Ignatov, and KORSUN
• 9.2 Gb download size, 14.5 Gb disc space
• Windows 7, MacOS 10.12 or higher