The Lyre In Greece
The lyre is no longer actually a major part of Greek culture, though at one point, it was popular as a played instrument, –several archaeological finds are plenty of evidence, as well as a form of art. Women, and men were of divine connections were painted, carved, and sculpted while playing the lyre, as were many gods and goddesses. The first thing that comes to mind even seeing the traditional lyre shape with strings, –a u shaped instrument with a horizontal wooden plank across the top, –is a visual symbol of Greek mythology, art, and culture. If anything, this is probably why they don’t play it anymore, because if instruments can be used to stereotype, the lyre is definitely one of the biggest stereotypical stamps on Greek culture.
The lyre itself is no longer a major part of music in Greece, –instead, there is now the modern “lyra”, which is a name for various types of regional fiddles, or “bowed lutes”. The lyra instruments can be found throughout the country, though in different shapes and forms, but with the same name. There are two basic types, despite their wide varieties, most are just a variation on these two styles. The first is a wooden pear shaped instrument with a vaulted back, and is found mostly through the islands of Greece, the Dodecanese and Crete, as well as to the north in the Greek mainland, around Thrace, and Macedonia.
The second type has a narrow, rectangular by cylindrical wooden body, and is played by the “Pontic Greeks”, who trace their roots back to Pontus, and originate mostly from the area of Northern Turkey near the Black Sea. Both versions of the instrument have three strings, and are played upright, while bowed horizontally, –like the bass, or cello, though entirely different in style. The base of the instrument does not rest on the floor, however, but on the top of the player’s left thigh.
