Ancient music. Lira and kifar - what is it?

Greek history is a unique treasury of interesting facts and legends. Mythical gods, brave warriors and their exciting adventures conquered the whole modern world. Ancient historians, most of whom are known to this day, have made a huge contribution to this priceless heritage. In their stories there is not only a trace of scientific and historical facts. They in bright colors were able to convey to future generations the whole plot and subtleties of ancient culture. Ancient Greece was at some point the most powerful world power. Even the Bible tells us about the influence Alexander the Great had on the whole world.

The rich ancient heritage

Certainly, Greece is famous for its famous feats and fascinating mythology. But what place did music occupy in the life and culture of ancient people? Many monuments of written historical and scientific literature say that at that time it was unusually developed. During the excavations were found beautiful ancient Greek musical instruments. Their appearance delighted even the most experienced archaeologists. These were just works of art. Quality material combined with the fine work of ancient masters produced a strong impression on researchers.

Lira and kifar - what is it?

This is an interesting topic worth considering. Among the recently found instruments were the lyre, the cithara and the harp, although the ancient Greeks used many others. The lyre is an elegant plucked instrument. She often appears in various myths and legends. According to the latest historical data, it had a fairly flat round case.

The design also included a leather membrane, which often had up to eleven strings. With her help, mostly performed lyrical and romantic melodies. One can only imagine how beautiful it sounded. Skillful musicians with the help of this unique instrument touched the hearts of listeners and caused tears in their eyes.

Kifara - what is it? First of all, it should be mentioned that this tool has some common features with the lyre. They can be called related objects. It is also plucked Instrument and has strings, although the case is more trapezoidal. In its design there is a wooden box, which is sometimes rounded to the bottom. In the longitudinal direction, two handles are attached to the tool, to which the crossbar is subsequently attached. In general, a rather interesting design of this device called kifar. What it is? How and when was it used? What exactly did it sound like? Certainly the exact answers to these questions could only be given by ancient antique musicians.

A unique tool for complexity

However, to date, this tool has attracted the attention of many researchers. Its feature is in a surprisingly complex design. Although the strings of cithara are of equal length, their thickness and tension are significantly different. They should traditionally be stretched from the bottom of the instrument to the front of its housing, where the handles or, as they are called, yokes are placed. Together with various trends of culture and fashion, the cithara throughout history had from two to twelve strings.

Sound and use

So, the cithara. What is it is already clarified. What it has found application? It was used both as an independent instrument and as an element of an orchestra. Kifara was also popular when it was necessary to accompany the singing. The ancient Greeks believed that she wore "divine inspiration". Her melody poured softly and reverently, and the sound of the tree gave the song a touch of melancholy or even tragedy. Whatever it was, ancient music is an integral part of the history not only of Greece, but of the whole world.