cisteistä

Cisteistä refers to a Finnish folk music tradition characterized by the use of the kantele, a plucked string instrument. The kantele, with its varying number of strings, serves as the primary melodic and harmonic instrument. Cisteistä music often features simple, repetitive melodic lines and rhythmic patterns, creating a meditative or trance-like atmosphere. The repertoire typically includes traditional folk tunes, laments, and improvised pieces. Historically, the kantele was played by wandering musicians and in homes, often accompanying singing or storytelling. While the kantele's popularity waned with the advent of other instruments, there has been a resurgence of interest in cisteistä music in recent decades, with contemporary musicians exploring its traditional roots and incorporating it into modern musical contexts. The term itself emphasizes the sound and performance style associated with the kantele.