Lithuanian folk instrument

Subject: Lithuanian folk instrument
From: GUEST,harpandsong
Date: 26 Sep 00 - 08:18 PM

A friend just returned from Lithuania with a Kankles as a gift for my husband. This is apparently the national instrument of the country. It looks very much like a kantele, with 9 wire strings. I would be very interested if anyone in Mudcatland can tell me any history about this instrument, and any information on playing it that might be available in English. More fundamentally, any ideas how to tune it? Thanks in advance, Cindy Ellen

Subject: RE: Lithuanian folk instrument
From: Lepus Rex
Date: 26 Sep 00 - 11:30 PM

Hi, harpandsong. Cool! Your friend is lucky. I don't know a whole lot about them, but I have a link that might interest you------> Ancient Lithuanian Kankles. All kinds of info, pictures, sounds, etc. Good luck:)

---Lepus Rex

Subject: RE: Lithuanian folk instrument
From: Lepus Rex
Date: 26 Sep 00 - 11:33 PM

Your HUSBAND is lucky, even. Your friend is unlucky, 'cause s/he has no kanklës, eh? :)

---Lepus Rex

Subject: RE: Lithuanian folk instrument
From: M.Ted
Date: 27 Sep 00 - 10:52 AM

If my memory serves me, Lithuanians like to get together ensembles of Kankles. and, depending on where you live, their may be a Lithuanian Association,or even a chuch that is connected with an active group of players--more than that I cannot tell you--

Subject: RE: Lithuanian folk instrument
From: MichaelAnthony
Date: 27 Sep 00 - 06:49 PM

Lepus,

Fascinating link! Just cleared enough space to go back and try to listen to the sound file...

MA