Punctióra

Punctióra is a traditional Catalan musical instrument that belongs to the family of bowed string instruments. It is similar in construction and playing technique to the violin but is slightly larger and has a distinct sound. The name "punctióra" derives from the Catalan word "puncte," meaning "point," possibly referring to the instrument's pointed chinrest or its role in punctuating musical phrases.

The punctióra is typically made of wood, with a carved body, a flat back, and a narrow waist. It features four strings, usually tuned in perfect fourths, similar to the violin. The instrument is played with a bow, which is drawn across the strings to produce sound. The punctióra is often used in folk and classical music, particularly in Catalan and Occitan traditions, where it contributes to the rich harmonic textures of ensembles.

Historically, the punctióra was part of the *tible* family of instruments, which also includes the *tible de tres cordes* (three-stringed tible) and the *tible de quatre cordes* (four-stringed tible). Over time, the punctióra evolved into a distinct instrument, sometimes referred to as the *viola de punter* or *punctióra de punter* in older texts. It was commonly used in medieval and Renaissance music, particularly in courtly and pastoral compositions.

Today, the punctióra remains a lesser-known instrument, though it has seen a resurgence in interest among traditional music enthusiasts and historical performance groups. Its unique timbre and historical significance make it a valuable addition to the repertoire of early music ensembles. The instrument is occasionally featured in contemporary folk revivals, where it blends seamlessly with other traditional Catalan instruments like the *gaita* (bagpipe) and *flabiol* (double flute).