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.

Read more on 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.

Read more on 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.

Read more on New York Times

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

Read more on The 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.

Read more on Seattle Times