Nyckelharpa

The nykelharpa is a keyed fiddle traditional in Sweden. 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.

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.

Some versions of the nyckelharpa have sympathetic strings which are not bowed directly but resonate with the other strings.

The best-known modern nyckelharpa player is probably Eric Sahlström, who was a major player, teacher, and builder of the mid 20th century. He helped re-popularize the instrument, and also made quite a few innovations in developing the modern chromatic nyckelharpa.

Among modern groups that use the nyckelharpa is the acoustic trio Väsen.

See also: Music of Sweden

External link

• The American Nyckelharpa Association