nyckelharpas

Nyckelharpa, plural nyckelharpor, is a traditional Swedish bowed string instrument that combines a keyboard-like mechanism with a fiddle body. The name translates as "key harp." The instrument typically has four strings—two used for the melody and one or more drones—and a wooden keyboard mounted on the upper bout. When a key is pressed, a small tangent engages the melody string at a specific point, shortening the vibrating length and raising the pitch; the bow draws across the strings to produce the sound. The drones provide a sustained harmonic background.

Construction, playing position, and technique: The body is carved wood with rounded back and sound holes; a short neck allows the keyboard to be reached with the left hand. The instrument is held on the lap or knee and played with a bow, usually by standing or sitting. The left hand operates the keys to change pitch on the melody strings, while the right hand bows. Some modern nyckelharpor feature additional keys or chromatic variants to enable playing in more keys; tunings commonly center around traditional Swedish tonalities.

Origin and revival: Nyckelharpor date to medieval Sweden, with surviving examples and depictions from the 15th–16th centuries. After a period of decline, the instrument underwent a revival in the 20th century; a pivotal figure was Eric Sahlström, whose playing and teaching helped standardize technique and spur international interest. Today makers, players, and ensembles preserve and develop the instrument across Sweden and abroad.

Music and repertoire: The nyckelharpa is closely associated with Swedish folk music, especially dances such as polska and vals from Uppland and surrounding regions. It is performed solo and in traditional ensembles, and has been incorporated into contemporary folk and cross-genre collaborations.