nyckelharpa

[ nik-uhl-hahr-puh ]

noun

1. an old-time Swedish stringed musical instrument, similar to the hurdy-gurdy but sounded with a bow instead of a wheel.

Word History and Origins

Origin of nyckelharpa¹

< Swedish, equivalent to nyckel fret + harpa harp

Example Sentences

The basic snoa will be taught, and there will be music by Sprida Ut, Kris Johansson and Nola and Brian Nelson featuring a combination of nyckelharpa, guitar and voice.

From Seattle Times

But that suited the music Hart was composing for a quartet of recorders, nyckelharpa — a medieval Swedish instrument — and a female choir singing alternately in Latin or made-up words.

From Los Angeles Times

The use of the nyckelharpa, a medieval hybrid of a hurdy-gurdy and a viol, adds the sense that despite the modern setting, we are witnessing an ageless folkloric morality tale about hypocrisy, moral rot and the oppression of women.

From New York Times

I spotted the founder, David Wilson, in the Russian-style tea room, playing an ancient lute called the nyckelharpa.

From Wall Street Journal

Debby likes to show off her nyckelharpa, a 16-string keyed fiddle from Sweden, and play the concerto she commissioned for the instrument.

From Seattle Times