Kamancheh
From Free net encyclopedia
Image:Hasht-Behesht Palace kamancheh.jpg The kamancheh or kamānche (کمانچه - violinette) is a Iranian instrument similar to a violin. Played with a variable-tension bow, the kamancheh consists of a round body made from gourd or wood, which acts as a sound box, covered with a thin sheep or fishskin membrane. Traditionally, kamanchehs have three silk strings, however, modern ones have four metal ones. At the bottom of the instrument is a spike to support the kamancheh while it is being played.
The kamancheh is one of the most ancient instruments in the worldTemplate:Fact. Some musicologists have credited the Lors with its invention while others have credited the MongolsTemplate:Fact. The word "kamancheh" means "little bow" in Persian. The same instrument is called "kevançe" in Kurdish and "kemençe" in Turkish.
About the length of a viola, kamanchehs are highly ornate, often with mother of pearl or bone inlays and beautifully carved ivory tuning pegs.
The kamancheh is the only bowed string instrument in classical Persian, Kurdish music. Kayhan Kalhor is a famous kamancheh player.
The instrument is traditionally played while sitting down and is held like a cello, but the end-pin can rest on the knee or thigh while seated in a chair.