Nööride

Nööride refers to the practice of using a type of chord or string commonly found in traditional Estonian folk music and dance. This distinctive string is part of the nööre instrument, which is a hand-played stringed instrument consisting of three or four metal rods stretched over a wooden or maple soundboard.

The nööre instrument and the associated nööride string have a long history in Estonia dating back to the 19th century. Traditionally, nööre was played by the Kaljasaare people, an ethnic group from the Võru County in southeastern Estonia. The instrument was typically played during folk dance and song performances in the fields and meadows, often accompanying vocal and instrumental accompaniments.

Nööride is not a standalone musical term but rather an integral component of the nööre instrument's timbre and character. The resonant, mid-range sound created by plucking the strings on the nööre provides a unique sonic backdrop for traditional Estonian folk music.

Nööre has been recognized as an Important Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, which acknowledges its significance not just as a musical instrument but also as a repository of traditional customs and cultural practices. Preservation efforts continue to focus on maintaining the musical heritage and the traditional playing methods of the nööre, contributing to the richness of Estonian folk music and cultural traditions.