How does a Hardanger fiddle work?
Since Hardanger fiddles usually have four or five resonating understrings, the pegbox is longer. The bottom strings run under the fingerboard, which is carved out on the underside, and the bridge has a cutout for the understrings, which are tightened on hooks at the tailpiece.
What you should know about the Hardanger fiddle?
Well, it’s a Hardanger fiddle (hardingfele in Norwegian). The instrument originated in the area around the Hardanger fjord, whence its name. It is distinctly Norwegian; in fact, it is played in only about a quarter of Norway, the western and south-central areas. The oldest instrument found has a date of 1651.
How old is the Hardanger fiddle?
Hardanger fiddle, also called Harding fiddle, Norwegian hardingfele, or hardingfela, regional fiddle of western Norway, invented in the late 17th century. It has four bowed strings positioned above four or five metal sympathetic strings.
How many strings does a nyckelharpa have?
16 strings
The modern chromatic nyckelharpa has 16 strings: 3 melody strings, one drone string, and 12 sympathetic vibration (or resonance) strings. It has about 37 wooden keys arranged to slide under the strings. Each key has a tangent that reaches up and stops (frets) a string to make a particular note.
How does a nyckelharpa work?
It is a string instrument or chordophone. Its keys are attached to tangents which, when a key is depressed, serve as frets to change the pitch of the string. The nyckelharpa is similar in appearance to a fiddle or the big Sorb geige or viol.
How many strings does a fiddle have?
four-
But however you play your violin or fiddle, you’re still dealing with the same four-string wooden instrument that dates back to sixteenth-century models from northern Italy.
Is a fiddle a viola?
When it comes to the parts, construction and build of the fiddle, violin, and viola they are extremely similar. The only main difference is that chin rest of a fiddle is a separate piece, unlike the one for viola or violin which is part of the tailpiece.
Where did the Hardanger fiddle come from?
The Hardanger Fiddle or Hardingfele dates back to 1651 with the Jaastad fiddle now in the museum at the University of Bergen in Bergen, Norway. The origin of the Hardingfele is unclear. It could have descended from the family of baroque instruments found in Europe or possibly from some early Scottish instruments.
How many strings does a Hardanger have?
Hardanger fiddle, also called Harding fiddle, Norwegian hardingfele, or hardingfela, regional fiddle of western Norway, invented in the late 17th century. It has four bowed strings positioned above four or five metal sympathetic strings.
What is the origin of the Hardingfele?
The origin of the Hardingfele is unclear. It could have descended from the family of baroque instruments found in Europe or possibly from some early Scottish instruments. The early Hardanger fiddles, although certainly related to modern Hardanger fiddles , were really quite different.
What is a Hardingfele violin used for?
The Hardingfele is used mainly in the southwest part of Norway, whereas the ordinary violin (called flatfele – ‘flat fiddle’ or vanlig fele – ‘common fiddle’) is found elsewhere. The Hardingfele is used for dancing, accompanied by rhythmic loud foot stomping. It was also traditional for the fiddler to lead the bridal procession to the church.