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Written in fRoots issue 333, 2011


BOOK

KANTELE
Pekka Jalkanen, Heikki Laitinen, Anna-Liisa Tenhunen
SKS ISBN 978-952-222-101-8 (2010)

There have been other books devoted to the kantele, the Baltic zither of varying size and design that’s Finland’s national instrument, but now there’s its bible. A beautifully designed square five hundred page hardback covering in impeccable detail every aspect of the instrument, including its history, mythology, design, players, makers, variation, music, and present-day evolution. An instant treasured possession, it must surely be one of the world’s most comprehensive books about a traditional instrument.
     It’s in Finnish, of course – an English translation would be a massive and expensive job – but it’s so attractive, crammed with colour and monochrome modern and historical photos, illustrations and musical examples that there’s lots to interest the non Finnish reading seeker of kantele knowledge, and the 75 pages of comprehensive appendices and indices make the finding of information and people very easy.

www.finlit.fi/kirjat


© 2011 Andrew Cronshaw
 

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Kansanmusiikki-instituutti (Finland's national Folk Music Institute).

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