lyre

A lyre is a stringed musical instrument in the harp family, characterized by a yoke-shaped frame formed by two arms connected at the top by a crossbar. A sounding board or body sits between the arms, and strings run from a bridge on the body to tuning pegs on the arms. The strings are typically plucked with the fingers or with a plectrum. The lyre is distinguished by its compact frame and its method of resonance, which relies on the soundboard rather than a long neck.

Origins and historical use: The lyre appears in the ancient Near East and the Mediterranean, with representations in Mesopotamian and Egyptian art from early antiquity and continued use in various cultures. In ancient Greece, the lyre was a central instrument for accompanying sung poetry and was closely linked to myth and culture; Hermes is traditionally credited with its invention, and the kithara, a larger, more prestigious variant, was used in public performance and ceremonial contexts.

Construction and variations: Typical lyres use gut strings and a wooden body, with a crossbar connecting the arms that help shape the instrument and support the pegs. Greek forms include the lyre proper and the larger kithara, while related forms such as the barbitos appeared in some regions. Tuning varied by locale and era, reflecting diverse performance practices across antiquity.

Legacy and modern use: The lyre remains a symbol of classical antiquity and continues to appear in modern early music ensembles, educational settings, and some contemporary folk and experimental music. Reproductions and scholarly replicas of ancient lyres are common for study, performance, and demonstration.