Kamancheh

The kamancheh is a traditional bowed string instrument originating from Iran and is popular throughout Persian, Azerbaijani, Armenian, Kurdish, Georgian, Turkmen, and Uzbek music. The instrument is related to the rebab, an ancestor of the kamancheh, and is also similar to the Byzantine lyra. It features a spike at the bottom, which supports it while being played—leading to the alternative name “spike fiddle.” The kamancheh is known for its resonant, expressive sound and is played using a variable-tension bow, which allows for nuanced control of tone and dynamics. The instrument has four metal strings and is typically tuned like a violin: G, D, A, E.

History of the Kamancheh

The kamancheh has ancient roots in the music traditions of Central Asia and the Middle East. Historical records indicate that it was the primary bowed string instrument used in Turkish music until the end of the 18th century. The kamancheh also played a significant role in Persian music and culture, and its use spread to Armenia, Azerbaijan, and other neighboring countries. Throughout the centuries, the instrument has been associated with folk music, classical ensembles, and regional cultural traditions.

Interestingly, the instrument has a complex history of cultural exchange. For example, the kamancheh made its way into Greece following the Greek-Turkish population exchange in 1924. This led to Greece adopting and integrating the instrument into its own cultural heritage. Today, variations of the kamancheh are found throughout many regions, including Turkey, Iran, Armenia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan, and each culture has developed its own style of playing and structure for the instrument.

Etymology

The word “kamancheh” means “little bow” in Persian, with kæman meaning “bow” and -cheh being a diminutive suffix. The Turkish word “kemençe” is borrowed from Persian and refers to a different, though related, bowed instrument in Turkey. The kamancheh is also related to other regional bowed instruments such as the kabak kemane in Turkey, which is made from a pumpkin and shares a similar shape to the kamancheh.

Structure of the Kamancheh

The kamancheh consists of a long neck with a pegbox, a bowl-shaped resonating chamber, and a soundboard typically made of animal skin—such as lamb, goat, or fish skin. The neck is shaped like a truncated inverse cone, which allows for ease of bow movement. The instrument’s spike at the bottom is used to support it while playing, and hence the term “spike fiddle” is often used in English to describe the kamancheh.

Traditionally, kamanchehs had three silk strings, but modern versions are made with four metal strings. The instrument is tuned similarly to a violin, typically to G, D, A, E. It also features a bow called a variable-tension bow, where the musician adjusts the tension of the bow hairs with their right hand while playing to achieve a varied tonal quality. The kamancheh’s design can be quite ornate, with inlays and intricately carved ivory tuning pegs.

Stringing and Tuning

The kamancheh is often strung using a violin string set for four-string models or a viola string set for five-string variations. The instrument can be tuned in fifths (similar to a violin) or in a mixture of fourths and fifths, depending on the mode or musical piece being played. Musicians may also use different tunings, called scordatura, to match specific tonal requirements of the repertoire.

Variations of the Kamancheh

The kamancheh has several variations based on size and range:

• Alto Kamancheh: Similar in size to the standard kamancheh but tuned similarly to a viola, with a lower C string instead of the high E.
• Bass Kamancheh: Larger than the standard kamancheh and tuned similarly to a cello, this variant is less common.
• Five-String Kamancheh: Features an additional lower string, similar to five-string fiddles.
• Azerbaijani Kamancha: Similar to the Persian kamancheh but with slight differences in tuning. Azeri players often use their own distinct tuning rather than the violin-like tuning.
• Kabak Kemane: A similar instrument found in Turkey, made from a gourd, with a more melancholic tone compared to the kamancheh.

Cultural Significance

The kamancheh holds a prestigious position in the music traditions of Iran and Azerbaijan. It is a crucial element in Persian classical music and Azerbaijani Mugham trios, often accompanied by the tar and the daf. In 2017, the crafting of the kamancheh was recognized by UNESCO and added to the Intangible Cultural Heritage List for both Azerbaijan and Iran, highlighting its cultural importance.

How to Play the Kamancheh

The kamancheh is played while seated, similar to a cello. The player holds the neck with their left hand, while the right hand uses a variable-tension bow to sound the strings. The musician controls the pitch by pressing the strings along the fretless fingerboard, allowing for intricate microtonal shifts that are characteristic of Persian and other Middle Eastern music traditions. The instrument’s spike rests on the knee or thigh, giving it a stable playing position.