Usuari:Jordi M R/proves/nyckelharpa

Nyckelharpa

This unique instrument, with its wistful sound, was replaced after medieval times by the violin. However, it is still played in Sweden

The nyckelharpa is a combination of a violin and a hurdy-gurdy. Its four strings are bowed like a violin, but the notes are made with keys like a hurdy-gurdy. Its name means keyed (nyckel) stringed instrument (harpa). Underneath its four bowed strings are 12 sympathetic strings which give the instrument an especially rich resonance.

The Nyckelharpa first appears in one form or another around 850 AD. Here is a picture of Joaquin with a much later model.