Kwitra

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Kwitra
Kwitra met.jpg
Kwitra collected Morocco in the late 19th century, with vase-shaped Tree of Life soundhole,
String instrument
Other namesKouitra, Quitra, Quwytara.
Classification String instrument
Hornbostel–Sachs classification
(Composite chordophone)
Related instruments
Oud, Mandolin, Mandolute

The Kwitra (also quwaytara, kouitra and quitra); Arabic الكوترة or عود أندلسي (literally Andalusian Oud); is an Algerian stringed instrument, sometimes referred to as the Algerian lute.[1][2] The instrument is tied to Andalusian musical traditions of Moorish people who were pushed out of the Iberian peninsula in the 15th century.[2] That tradition has shrunk further; where the kwitra was once seen in Algeria and Morocco, today it is mainly an Algerian instrument.[2]

The literal meaning of Kwitra in Algerian Arabic (and possibly in the extinct Andalusian Arabic) is "small guitar". It is a regional instrument in the Lute family of instruments, related to Italian chitarra.[3]

It has 8 strings in 4 courses. It is tuned G3 G3, E4 E4, A3 A3, D4 D4.[4] The traditional strings are made of animal intestines. They usually have a carved soundhole in the shape of a bowl or vase.

  • Kwitra

Historically prominent musicians[]

  • Sfinja[5]
  • Mouzino[5]
  • Ben Teffahi[5]
  • Ahmed Essabti[5]
  • Mohammed Bahar (recordings exist)[5]
  • Philippe Lourenço[5]
  • Faten Sioud[5]
  • Ahmed Echaytan[5]

See also[]

See also: Lute § History and evolution of the lute

References[]

  1. ^ Simon, Broughton & Mark, Ellingham. (2006). The Rough Guide to World Music: Africa & Middle East. Rough Guides. p. 254.
  2. ^ a b c "Quwaytara, late 19th century, Moroccan". Metropolitan Museum of Art.
  3. ^ "ATLAS of Plucked Instruments - Africa". Retrieved 10 March 2012.
  4. ^ Sadie, Stanley, ed. (1984). "Quwaytara". The New Grove Dictionary of Musical Instruments. p. 176. Volume 3. ... four pairs of strings... typical Moroccan timing is G-e-A-d...
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h Azzouz El Houri (11 February 2006). "La famille du Oud". Retrieved 10 March 2012.

External links[]

Media related to Kwitra at Wikimedia Commons

Retrieved from ""