What do you Hear?
Imagine the sounds of a Gorean Tavern. It might look like the picture above (from Persia, public domain). Although music varies by Gorean region, the Middle Eastern / Tahari sounds form a good / common basis.
(music example composed by M. Koardan, ndp.)
https://soundcloud.com/h-koramor/simple-4-instrument-ensemble-example
https://soundcloud.com/h-koramor/simple-4-instrument-ensemble-example
Now, let’s look at some common instruments, which can be heard in the following sound sample.
Kalika
- Plucked String - like and Oud (Lute)
The other was the kalika, a six-stringed instrument; it, like the czehar, is flat-bridged and its strings are adjusted by means of small wooden cranks; on the other hand, it less resembles a low, flat box and suggests affinities to the banjo or guitar, though the sound box is hemispheric and the neck rather long; it, too, of course, like the czehar, is plucked; I have never seen a bowed instrument on Gor
~ Nomads of Gor
Similar instruments include the Saz, Tambur, Tar, and others.
These instruments are different than the Czehar, which is like the Zither, Japanese Koto or Chinese Guzheng.
Bowed String
Bowed instruments are rarely found on Gor. But the Kemence is an example from Earth that may fit your scene.
Drum
~ Many varieties - but look for a flat frame drum (Daf)
The drummer's fingers light on the taut skin of his instrument, the kaska, then adjusting it, then trying it again, then tapping lightly, then more vigorously, with swift, brief rhythms, limbering his wrists, fingers and hands.
~ Dancer of Gor
Flute
A wind blown instrument - like a Ney (wooden end blown flute)
I could hear from a tent nearby the sound of a flute, some soft drums, and the rhythmic jangle of some tiny cymbals.
~ Tarnsman of Gor
Read a little more
I hope this has whetted your appetite for Gorean Tavern Dancing and music.
- Belly dance ensemble - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nLxe8EJ7ZpU
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Middle_Eastern_music
- More about similar instruments - http://maqamworld.com/en/instr.php
- Sounds used - Native Instruments Middle Eastern discovery series
https://www.native-instruments.com/en/products/komplete/world/middle-east/