How ancient musicians played the lyre and the professional kithara
In short: Composer Michael Levy explores the history, construction, and playing techniques of the ancient lyre and kithara. This discussion offers insight into how these instruments functioned in Greek society, from domestic gatherings to professional performance.
The lyre and kithara were distinct instruments in ancient Greece. The chelys, or tortoiseshell lyre, was commonly used in domestic settings like symposia, while the kithara was reserved for professionals. Plato famously recommended the lyre for educating youth due to its clear, pure tones. While some tortoiseshell lyres have survived, no kithara examples remain, likely because their wooden construction was more perishable.
Playing techniques are reconstructed from ancient pottery and paintings. Unlike a harp, where players block strings to dampen sustain, lyre players used their left hand to mute unwanted strings while using a plectrum to strike those they wished to sound, allowing for the creation of chords. Replicas, such as the Leiden Lyre dating to about 1500 BCE, help modern composers understand these ancient sounds.
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