Engineering:Kwitra
 Kwitra | |
| String instrument | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Kouitra, 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, 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 eight strings in four 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.
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
References
- ↑ Simon, Broughton; Mark, Ellingham. (2006). The Rough Guide to World Music: Africa & Middle East. Rough Guides. p. 254.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 "Quwaytara, late 19th century, Moroccan". Metropolitan Museum of Art. https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/501019?searchField=All&sortBy=Relevance&ft=lute&offset=120&rpp=20&pos=126.
- ↑ "ATLAS of Plucked Instruments – Africa". http://www.atlasofpluckedinstruments.com/africa.htm. Retrieved 10 March 2012.
- ↑ Sadie, Stanley, ed (1984). The New Grove Dictionary of Musical Instruments. p. 176. Volume 3. "... four pairs of strings ... typical Moroccan timing is G-e-A-d ...".
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 5.6 5.7 Azzouz El Houri (11 February 2006). "La famille du Oud". http://elhouriazzouz.over-blog.com/article-1850912.html. Retrieved 10 March 2012.
External links
- Video. Mohammed Bahar playing the kwitra
- Modern recording, kwitra being played in style of Mohamed Bahar.
- The stringed Instrument Database
- El Kouitra
- Colloque sur le oud maghrébin à quatre cordes
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