Konzertzither

The Konzertzither, also known as the concert zither, is a type of zither designed for solo performance. It is closely associated with Central and Alpine European music, especially in Austria and southern Germany. The instrument combines melody and accompaniment on a single body, allowing a player to outline a tune while providing harmony and rhythm.

Construction and layout: A typical Konzertzither has a flat, rectangular soundboard and a fretboard along the upper surface used for the melody. It usually contains about 30 to 37 strings in total, with a set of melody strings running over the fretboard and a longer group of accompaniment and bass strings underneath. The instrument is commonly around 60 to 70 centimeters long. The melody strings are fretted to produce the tune, while the accompaniment strings provide chords or drone by plucking or strumming.

Tuning and technique: The melody strings may be tuned diatonically or chromatically, depending on the model, while the accompaniment strings are arranged to support harmonic progressions. Playing typically involves fretting the melody on the fretboard with the left hand and plucking the melody strings with the right hand, often using a pick or fingertips. The accompaniment strings are plucked to provide bass and chordal support, producing a characteristic tessitura of the instrument.

History and repertoire: The Konzertzither emerged in the 19th century as a refinement of earlier zithers in the Alpine region. It gained prominence in folk and light classical music and became familiar in film music as well. One of the best-known players associated with the instrument is Anton Karas, whose Third Man theme popularized the concert zither in the mid-20th century. Today it remains a symbol of traditional Volksmusik and is taught and performed in various genres.