How the lijerica makes its sound
In the Hornbostel–Sachs system, which classifies instruments by how they produce sound, the lijerica belongs to the lutes: strings run parallel to a soundboard and along a neck – the family of the guitar, violin, sitar and oud.
More broadly it is one of the chordophones (string instruments), where sound comes from vibrating strings, amplified by a resonating body.
Press play above and watch the spectrum: the evenly spaced peaks are harmonics, and their relative strength is what gives the instrument its character.
From Wikipedia
The lijerica is a musical instrument from the Croatian region of Dalmatia and Croat parts of eastern Herzegovina. It is a pear-shaped, three-stringed instrument which is played with a bow. It is played to accompany the traditional linđo dance from the region. The lijerica's name comes from the lyra (Greek: λύρα), the bowed instrument of the Byzantine Empire which it probably evolved from.
While the lijerica is most often associated with traditional folk music, it is still found in modern music from the region. One artist who is notable for his use of the instrument is Mate Bulić.
Other lutes
Frequently asked questions
What does a lijerica sound like?
As one of the lutes, its sound comes from the way strings run parallel to a soundboard and along a neck.
What type of instrument is the lijerica?
It is classified as lutes (Hornbostel–Sachs 321.321-71).
Sources & credits
- Wikidata Q1420096 – CC0
- Wikipedia: Lijerica – CC BY-SA 4.0
- Image by Roberta. – CC BY-SA 3.0