Tovshuur

Tovshuur
Mongolian Tovshuur
String instrument
Other namesTovshuur, Topshuur, Topshur, Toshpulúr, Tavshur
Classification
Hornbostel–Sachs classification321.321
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, romanizedtobshiğur) 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]

  1. ^ Pegg, Carole (2014). "Inner Asia". Grove Music Online. Oxford University Press. Retrieved 18 Sep 2014.
  2. ^ Krader, Lawrence (1996). "Altaian". Encyclopedia of World Cultures. Macmillan Reference USA. Retrieved 17 Sep 2014.
  3. ^ Pegg, Carole (2014). "Topshuur". Grove Music Online. Oxford University Press. Retrieved 18 Sep 2014.