Some Traditional Latvian Musical Instruments
Kokle
The kokle is a type of zither (or psaltery). The photograph below shows a kokle of the type made in western Latvia (the province of Kurzeme):
Want to see a photograph of a kokle ensemble (i.e. a group of people in folk costume who play kokles of different sizes)? If so, click here!
Stabule
The stabule is a whistle, usually made from wood, or a reed. The photograph below shows a wooden stabule.
Trejdeksnis
The trejdeksnis is a percussion instrument, something like a metal rattle. It is held in the hand and shaken up and down.
Links to sites about Latvian Music:
- Latvian Musical Instruments Traditional Latvian musical instruments are described. You can access the information by clicking on a list of instrument names in alphabetical order or by instrument type.
- Music in Latvia
Information on jazz, orchestral music, opera, music festivals, newest CD's, etc. Very little on Latvian folk music, except for the link to the list of folklore ensembles (see below).
- Folklore Ensembles
Descriptions and photos of Latvian folklore ensembles. Folklore ensembles sing folk songs; some also use traditional instruments, and/or perform folk dances. Good feature: click on a map of Latvia to see what ensembles there are in a particular region.
