Three String Fiddles

Subject: Three String Fiddles
From: SPB-Cooperator
Date: 16 Jan 26 - 06:53 AM

While visiting Bautzen-Budysin's Sorbisches Museum we saw a number of three-string fiddles - an instrument referenced by Richard Thompson in We Sing Hallelujah. Any information about the instruments and how they were played?

Subject: RE: Three String Fiddles
From: DaveRo
Date: 16 Jan 26 - 08:07 AM

I have always assumed that the fiddle in We Sing Hallelujah had a string missing and, like the rusty wheel on a rusty cart, was in the process of falling apart.

Subject: RE: Three String Fiddles
From: Jack Campin
Date: 16 Jan 26 - 01:03 PM

I don't know that song, but the three-string viola ("kontra") is a common chordal backing in Hungarian music. Near enough that the Sorbs could have adopted it?

Subject: RE: Three String Fiddles
From: GUEST,Jerry
Date: 17 Jan 26 - 04:35 AM

So what about the three string rebec used in Early English music? Played with a small bow and held against the chest, rather under the chin.