kanteleella

Kanteleella is a Finnish term referring to the act of playing the kantele, a plucked string instrument central to Finnish folk music. The kantele itself is a traditional instrument with a history stretching back over a thousand years, believed to have originated from a single string instrument that gradually evolved into its modern forms. Playing the kantele, or kanteleella, can encompass a wide range of musical styles, from ancient folk melodies and epic poems to more contemporary arrangements.

The techniques employed in kanteleella vary depending on the size and type of kantele. Smaller, pentatonic kanteles, often played by holding the instrument in the lap, are typically strummed or plucked with the fingers. Larger, diatonic or chromatic kanteles, which can have many more strings, may be played with a plectrum or a combination of plucking and strumming, allowing for more complex harmonies and melodies. The sound of the kantele is often described as resonant and ethereal. Practicing kanteleella involves developing finger dexterity, understanding harmonic progressions, and interpreting traditional melodies. It is a cultural practice deeply intertwined with Finnish identity and musical heritage.