Definitions

from The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition.

  • noun A stringed instrument of the zither family, used in the traditional music of Finland.

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • noun music A traditional plucked string instrument of the zither family.

Etymologies

from The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 4th Edition

[Finnish.]

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License

From Finnish kantele.

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Examples

  • “In the Finnish mythology the divine Vainamoinen is said to have constructed the five-stringed harp, called kantele, the old national instrument of the Finns.

    Brave Men and Women Fuller, O E 1884

  • The sun sinks and Wilho Saari, the best kantele player, strikes up a tune and folks start dancing.

    The Trouble With May Amelia Jennifer L. Holm 2011

  • The sun sinks and Wilho Saari, the best kantele player, strikes up a tune and folks start dancing.

    The Trouble With May Amelia Jennifer L. Holm 2011

  • Sinikka Langeland (vocals, kantele), Lars Anders Tomter (viola), Kåre Nordstoga (organ) (ECM)

    Sinikka Langeland: Maria's Song 2010

  • Sung by Sinikka Langeland, who also plays the 15-string Finnish kantele, these hymn-songs are wrapped around Bach, on solo viola or organ.

    Sinikka Langeland: Maria's Song 2010

  • I've played my kantele in front of groups, but never in front of scholars.

    Forging Folklore K. A. Laity 2007

  • Wish I could have been there to see and hear you play the kantele.

    Forging Folklore K. A. Laity 2007

  • Too bad we didn't have more time for kantele duets!

    Forging Folklore K. A. Laity 2007

  • I can tell you quite honestly that the first time I played that Finnish kantele for more than a couple of minutes was to record that tango on this record.

    Learning by 'Broz-mosis' 2007

  • Or did you have to find a Finnish kantele master to teach you this?

    Learning by 'Broz-mosis' 2007

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