Langspil
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The langspil (Script error: No such module "IPA".; meaning long-play) is a traditional Icelandic drone zither. It has a single melody string and usually 2 drone strings.
The langspil can be played by plucking the strings by hand, with a bow or by hammering. Langspils exist in two basic versions, straight and curved and are generally around the length of Script error: No such module "convert"., and can be as long as Script error: No such module "convert". or as short as Script error: No such module "convert".. Many different types of wood have traditionally been used, including pine, fir, beechwood, birch, oak and walnut, since they were generally constructed from driftwood.[1]
History
The oldest written sources describing the langspil are from the 18th century. In those times langspils are described as a long thin box, wider at the bottom end and with one to six strings. In the early 19th century a version with a curved soundbox emerged which has improved sound qualities. In 1855 the book Leiðarvísir til að spila á langspil (A guide on playing the langspil) was published. It also included information on how to make langspils, although with a slight printing error in the fretting. This book increased the popularity of the Langspil quite a lot.[2] However, by the middle of the 20th century the instrument had become rare and few played it any more.[1]
By the 1960s, the singer Anna Þórhallsdóttir realized that the langspil was slowly disappearing from Icelandic musical traditions and as a response she spearheaded its revival, which is still ongoing.[3] Today a number of bands and performers include the langspil in their repertoire, including Spilmenn Ríkinís, Sigurður Rúnar Jónsson, Bára Grímsdóttir, Chris Foster and Þórður Tómasson á Skógum. The langspil also has an important place on the yearly folk-song festival on Siglufjörður.[4]
See also
- Appalachian dulcimer
- Epinette des Vosges
- Hummel (instrument)
- Langeleik
- Scheitholt
- Fiðla, the other string instrument native to Iceland
References
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