Nyckelharpa: Difference between revisions
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[[Image:Nyckelharpa.jpg|thumb|300px|A nyckelharpa]] |
[[Image:Nyckelharpa.jpg|thumb|300px|A nyckelharpa]] |
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The '''nyckelharpa''' ([[Swedish language|Swedish]] for [[Key (instrument)|key]] [[harp]]) is a traditional [[Sweden|Swedish]] musical instrument. |
The '''nyckelharpa''' ([[Swedish language|Swedish]] for [[Key (instrument)|key]] [[harp]]) is a traditional [[Sweden|Swedish]] musical instrument. It is a [[string instrument]] or [[chordophone]]. Its keys are attached to tangents which, when the key is depressed, serve as frets to change the pitch of the string. |
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==History== |
==History== |
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The nyckelharpa is similar to both a [[Violin#The Fiddle|fiddle]] and a [[hurdy gurdy]], and is known played from Sweden since [[1641]]. During the [[15th century|15th]] and [[16th century|16th centuries]], the nyckelharpa was known throughout Germany, [[Denmark]] and Sweden. The Swedish province of [[Uppland]] has been a stronghold for nyckelharpa music since the late 16th century, including the [[1960s]] revival which drew on musicians like [[Byss-Calle]] (1783-1847) from [[Älvkarleby]]. |
The nyckelharpa is similar to both a [[Violin#The Fiddle|fiddle]] and a [[hurdy gurdy]], and is known played from Sweden since [[1641]]. During the [[15th century|15th]] and [[16th century|16th centuries]], the nyckelharpa was known throughout Germany, [[Denmark]] and Sweden. The Swedish province of [[Uppland]] has been a stronghold for nyckelharpa music since the late 16th century, including the [[1960s]] revival which drew on musicians like [[Byss-Calle]] (1783-1847) from [[Älvkarleby]]. |
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==Variants== |
==Variants== |
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| ⚫ | There are at least four major variants of the nyckelharpa still played today, varying by the number and arrangement of keys, number and arrangement of strings, and general body shape. Modern nyckelharpas have [[sympathetic strings]] which are not bowed directly but resonate with the other strings. Early variants favored [[drone string]]s. |
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| ⚫ | There are at least four major variants of the nyckelharpa still played today, varying by the number and arrangement of keys, number and arrangement of strings, and general body shape. Modern nyckelharpas have [[sympathetic strings]] which are not bowed directly but resonate with the other strings. |
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''See also: [[Music of Sweden]]'' |
''See also: [[Music of Sweden]]'' |
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Revision as of 10:40, 28 March 2006
The nyckelharpa (Swedish for key harp) is a traditional Swedish musical instrument. It is a string instrument or chordophone. Its keys are attached to tangents which, when the key is depressed, serve as frets to change the pitch of the string.
History
The nyckelharpa is similar to both a fiddle and a hurdy gurdy, and is known played from Sweden since 1641. During the 15th and 16th centuries, the nyckelharpa was known throughout Germany, Denmark and Sweden. The Swedish province of Uppland has been a stronghold for nyckelharpa music since the late 16th century, including the 1960s revival which drew on musicians like Byss-Calle (1783-1847) from Älvkarleby.
Changes by August Bohlin (1877-1949) in 1929/1930 made the nyckelharpa chromatic and straight, making it a more violin-like instrument. The best-known modern nyckelharpa player is probably Eric Sahlström (1912-1986), who was a major player, teacher, and builder of the mid 20th century. He helped re-popularize the instrument by his playing. In spite of these innovations, the nyckelharpa's popularity declined until the 1960's roots revival.
The nyckelharpa has been a prominent part of several revival groups later in the century, especially the trio Väsen and the more contemporary group Hedningarna.
Variants
There are at least four major variants of the nyckelharpa still played today, varying by the number and arrangement of keys, number and arrangement of strings, and general body shape. Modern nyckelharpas have sympathetic strings which are not bowed directly but resonate with the other strings. Early variants favored drone strings.
See also: Music of Sweden