The Lyre (lyra) is a musical instrument that belongs to the chordophone category and is specifically part of the bowed lute family. This definition indicates that the instrument falls under one of the lute subcategories, and in the Hornbostel-Sachs classification, it is designated with the code 321.2. This number signifies the presence of one or more strings on the structure of the device.
Bowed lutes are played by plucking the strings or (less commonly) using a bow. Originally, musicians used a plectrum, but today it is rarely employed.

The lyre consists of a resonating body connected to two vertical arms (called horns) joined by a transverse bar. Between the bar and the body, the strings are stretched. These strings can vary in number (three, five, eight, or twelve) and are tied along the bar.
The primary material for constructing this instrument is wood, although some examples are made of ivory.

Types of Lyres

There are various types of lyres, as outlined below:

• Lyre da braccio: This Renaissance-era instrument resembles a viola with a resonating body and neck. It is played using a bow and has a high number of strings;
• Lyre da gamba: Also called lirone (or perfect lirone), it is primarily used as accompaniment for voices;
• Organized lyre (or hurdy-gurdy): Played during the Baroque period, it was always accompanied by a small organ;
• Galduka: Originating from Bulgaria, it is related to the Calabrian lyre and is mainly appreciated in dance music;
• Calabrian lyre: A traditional instrument of the Locride and Monte Poro regions in Calabria. It is typically accompanied by a tambourine or whistles;
• Kissar: Originating from North Africa, it has a unique structure. It features five strings and a central circular body made of tortoise shell or wood.

The History of the Lyre

There are many conflicting theories about who actually invented the lyre, but they all agree that the instrument is a timeless creation. This means the lyre originated long ago and has survived to this day with minimal changes to its structure and function.

The most widespread theory about the origin of the lyre is that Hermes created it, and it later reached Greece in the pre-classical era, becoming a significant cultural symbol. Possible locations for its invention include Southern Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia.
The original structure included a central body made from a tortoise shell, with two animal horns (usually goat or ram) attached to it to hold the strings. Early lyres were played with a plectrum due to the hardness of the strings.

Much later, in the Middle Ages, the two horns were made using bordone, a large, curved wooden stick carved from fidel wood.
As for the number of strings, history tells us that the first lyre had three or four strings, which increased over time depending on local traditions. By the first half of the 5th century, the strings numbered eight, then nine (fun fact: the seven-stringed lyre became a Roman religious symbol and was used in Catholic rites). In the second half of the century, the number rose to eleven thanks to Phrynis of Mytilene. Later, Timotheus added the twelfth and final string.

The history of this musical instrument is uncertain due to its basis in mythology. However, it is certain that its use was widespread during the Middle Ages and remained significant through the 17th century until it was replaced by the viola.

The modern lyre is much better documented: it was created in 1920 by Edmund Pracht and Lothar Gartner under the guidance of Rudolf Steiner. Initially used in therapeutic education, it was later adopted in orchestras as a concert instrument.

The Lyre in Mythology

This instrument is surrounded by numerous myths, but a few are particularly well-known among enthusiasts.
The most famous myth concerns the creation of the lyre by Hermes, the messenger of the Greek gods. According to the legend, Hermes found and killed a turtle in a cave, using its shell to create a lyre with seven strings made from sheep gut. He then gave the lyre to Apollo to repay a debt, and Apollo later gifted it to his son Orpheus.

The most famous lyre in mythology is Orpheus’s. It symbolizes Apollonian virtues and contrasts with Dionysus’s flute. In Greek culture, the lyre represented perfection, classical beauty, moderation, and balance, while the flute symbolized celebration and ecstasy.

How to Play the Lyre

Before learning to play this beautiful instrument, here’s a tip: when purchasing a lyre, consider your dexterity and the type of music you wish to produce. For instance, a Calabrian lyre has nylon strings that maintain tuning better.

Tuning this instrument is quite simple, even for beginners: measure the length of the lyre (from the pegs to the bridge) or use a tuning fork to decide the tuning. The intervals that must be respected are II, V, and I. Strings are usually tuned in fourths, such as A, D, G, and C.

The lyre is played while sitting, resting the instrument between the knees or on a leg (usually the left). One hand holds the neck or a horn, while the other plucks the strings (or uses a bow if required by the type of lyre). To produce a good melody, the finger movements must be fluid and not rigid. Typically, musicians aim for a high-pitched sound by plucking the first string while brushing the second string, which serves as a drone.
Since the lyre lacks frets, mastering it requires memorizing finger placements to produce the various notes. The notes C, D, E, F, G, A, B are systematically repeated across the strings.

Further Resources

• How to play the lyre:
  Lyre Academy
• Details on the lyre, how to build it:
  Ancientlyre.com