Kantele Aura 12 2021

Kantele Aura 12 ProK is a handmade medieval string instrument with 12 strings, tuned to D E F G A B C D E F G A.

Innovative modern look of historical musical instruments

We offer this instrument in a modern, innovative presentation that combines authentic medieval construction using the most modern elements, components and technologies.

Used components and materials:

Body: Alder
Top: Resonant spruce
Finish: Satin nitro lacquer
Diatonic tuning: D minor
Tuning: D E F G A B C D E F G A
Number of strings: 12

History and origin of Kantele

Kantele is a traditional Finnish and Karelian stringed musical instrument, sometimes known as Kannel. Along with other instruments such as the Russian Gusle, Latvian Kokle and Lithuanian Kanklės, it is ranked among the Baltic psalteries.

Its age cannot be determined precisely, however, several scientists agree that the origin of the kantele may date back 1000-2000 years.

This musical instrument has a characteristic clear bell-like sound and has been strongly associated with the ancient art of runic singing. This sound easily pulls the listener into its calm keys, soothes the mind, and sounds very magical.

Original construction

Kantele's oldest instruments had five or six strings made of horsehair. The body of this instrument is hollow and made mainly of alder, pine or spruce.

Legends and epics

Legends describe the mythical origin of Kantele in the national epic of Kalevala, where the magician Väinämöinen makes the first instrument from the bones of a giant pike jaw and from several hairs of Hiisi's horse. The music this instrument creates attracts all forest creatures to wonder and admire the beauty of the tones.

The use of Kantele at present

Kantele is an instrument with which you can express a wide range of emotions and moods. It is widely used to play traditional folk music, waltzes, and polkas. Many artists also use it for a pleasant background sound in meditation.

An interesting feature is the use of Kantele in the well-known film Narnia (2005). Music composer Harry Gregson-Williams used the Kantele with the help of the Finnish artist Timo Väänänen to bring the atmosphere of an icy, snowy, and mysteriously calm landscape closer.