Kokle
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The kokle is a Latvian plucked string musical instrument (chordophone), related to the zither. It is similar in construction and origin to the Lithuanian kanklės, Russian gusli, Estonian kannel and Finnish kantele.
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[edit] Origin
Based on earlier written histories, the kokle is a type of Baltic lute. The first written information about kokle players is from the 15th century. The Baltic tribes developed the kokle based on similar instruments played by the Finnic (Liv kāndla, Estonian kannel, Finnish kantele, etc.) and the Slavic peoples (Russian gusli).
The player generally plays the instrument sitting at a table, strumming with his right hand to create vibrations and hence the volume, while using the left hand to mute unwanted strings. The kokle's sounds have generally been mixed, mostly diatonic. The bottom is usually under the bourdon function, and sounds all the time.
The kokle has a hollow trapezoidal hull, covered with a tin or wooden board. A string pin made of wood is incorporated into the hull parallel to the widest edge. The thin edge consists of a built-in metal rod around which are wound the strings, of gut, plant fiber, brass or steel. Traditionally, there were 6-9 strings which later increased to 10.
[edit] Kurzemes kokle
In the Latvian historical region of Kurzeme, kokles are constructed without a "wing", but with ornate carving and ornaments.
[edit] Latgales kokle
In the largely Catholic Latgale region of Latvia, the kokle has a wing, which reinforces the sound and is used as an arm support. Compared with Kurzemes kokles, the finish is less thorough; the instruments are bigger, and heavier, with more sober decoration.
The Augšzeme and Vidzeme districts of Latvia played both types of kokle, as well as mixed forms, for example kokles with beak-shaped wings.
At the end of the nineteenth century kokle traditions were influenced by the construction of the Western zither. Thus arose the so-called zither kokles: kokles with larger, zither-type cases, steel plugging and an increased number of strings.
[edit] The Kokle in Contemporary Music
Alliage III by the Danish composer Niels Rosing-Schow uses two kokles tuned a quarter-tone apart along with vl, vc, and accordion. It is published by Edition Wilhelm Hansen (WH21231).
