Among Europe's trove of musical melodies

stringed instruments

My travels across Europe not only introduced me to the beauty of the picturesque continent, but also familiarised me to the many unique musical instruments it is known for. To begin with, how many of us music aficianados have heard of an instrument named crwth? Well, forget being familiar with crwth, even pronouncing it was a problem with me.

I guess this is the only word where the letter ‘w’ is used as a vowel. Crwth is an ancient Welsh stringed instrument believed to have been played since the 11th century. Almost lyre-like in its appearance, it is played with its lower end braced against the chest, supported with a strap around the player’s neck.

According to reliable research documents, though crwth generally has six strings, there was a three-stringed version too, which required less skill, and played by minstrels only. And, it was one of the three main Welsh string instruments along with the harp and timpan. Associated with aristocracy, every crwth player once was expected to go through rigorous practice to master this art.

Popularly known as ‘crowd’ in English, many modern versions of this ancient instrument are now famous among a few folk musicians who are determined to revive the tradition of playing it. In fact, many new tunes are now being written for this instrument to make it contemporary, I was told.

If crwth has piqued your curiosity enough, how about hardingfele, a traditional Norwegian stringed instrument? Popularly known as hardanger fiddle, this instrument resembles violin in its appearance, but has eight or nine strings (unlike violin’s four strings).

The manner in which it is played is also quite interesting as only four of the eight or nine strings are strung and played like a violin, while the rest resonate under the influence of the other four.

Associated with all festivities that spell fun, especially in southwestern Norway, hardingfele is played during dance ceremonies, accompanied by rhythmic foot stomping, and during bridal processions. A heavily ornate instrument, hardingfele has intricate designs all over its body, right from the pegbox to the tailpiece and fingerboard. I was told it had a much rounder look prior to 1850.

Hardingfele is quite famous too, unlike crwth. For, it has had its brush with Hollywood! This instrument has been used in the soundtracks of several famous films including The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, and How to Train Your Dragon.

Of late, this instrument is highly sought after outside Norway too, especially in Japan. In fact, many Japanese travel all the way to Norway just to master the art of playing this bowed string instrument. Its use in the Japanese animated movie  Tales from Earthsea perhaps best explains Japan’s fascination with the instrument.