The Kantele proper is a traditional instrument of Suomi, Karjala, Vadja, Isora, Vepsad, Lappi people. In general one may speak of a common cultural tradition where the same type of musical instruments is widespread. The generic term and totality of musical instruments reflects a common tradition – the Baltic Psalterium - covering the whole variety of local types and names.

The Finnish Kantele, also known as lap harp, is basically a triangular shaped sound box with strings running across the top of the instrument. When the strings - usually tuned to a diatonic scale - are plucked, a Kantele will produce ringing bell-like tones. It is similar to a harp in some ways, but because of the way in which it is built and the way in which the strings are attached, a compelling and unique sound is produced as it is played.

Kanteles are often divided into two categories: small ones and big ones. Small ones rarely have more than two octaves. The big ones usually have at least 32 strings and three to four octaves. Kanteles, especially the smaller 5 and 10 string instruments, are relatively easy instruments to learn to play. The larger Kanteles of up to 36 strings require more effort to learn to play, but allow the player to perform more complex pieces of music.The playing positions of concert kantele and small kantele are reversed; i.e., to the player of a small kantele the wideest low pitched strings are farthest away from his body, whilst to a concert kantele this side of the instrument is nearest, and the short high pitched strings farthest away.

The earliest references of the Kantele are found in ancient Finnish poems, where its origin is attributed to a mythical Finnish sage and shaman Väinämöinen. The first one he built was made of the jawbone of a giant fish and the strings were made from the long hair that young Finnish women willingly gave to him. That original Kantele had only five strings and like so many that were made and played up until the 17th and 18th centuries, was used to accompany the singing of traditional Finnish poems and stories

Traditional Kanteles were very much in use up to the end of the first half of 20th century; it was customary for every adult man to have a Kantele of his own. From the second half of 19th century traditional Kantele became replaced by modernised varieties of the instrument. The Kanteles can be played by anyone, are great for simple improvisation and yet are still offer a challenge to play the ancient repertoire or modern tunes. Modern interpretations of these instruments have found use in Schools, Music Therapy and Meditation work.

Author: SABINA TAGORE IMMANUEL