 Mongolian Tovshuur | |
| String instrument | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Tovshuur, Topshuur, Topshur, Toshpulúr, Tavshur |
| Classification | |
| Hornbostel–Sachs classification | 321.321 |
| Related instruments | |
| Komuz, Dombra, Doshpuluur, Balalaika, Sanxian | |
| Musicians | |
| Temuulen Naranbaatar (The HU), Batzorig Vaanchig, Altai Kai | |
The tovshuur, also known as topshur or topshuur (Mongolian Cyrillic: товшуур; Mongolian: ᠲᠣᠪᠰᠢᠭᠤᠷ, romanized: tobshiğur) is a two- or three-stringed lute played by the Western Mongolian (Oirats) tribes called the Altai Urianghais, the Altais, Tuvans, and Khalkha peoples.[1] The topshur is closely tied to the folklore of Western Mongolian people and accompanied the performances of storytellers, singing, and dancing.[2] According to descriptions given by Marco Polo, the Mongols also played the instruments before a battle.[3]
- ^ Pegg, Carole (2014). "Inner Asia". Grove Music Online. Oxford University Press. Retrieved 18 Sep 2014.
- ^ Krader, Lawrence (1996). "Altaian". Encyclopedia of World Cultures. Macmillan Reference USA. Retrieved 17 Sep 2014.
- ^ Pegg, Carole (2014). "Topshuur". Grove Music Online. Oxford University Press. Retrieved 18 Sep 2014.