Algerian stringed instrument
The kwitra (also quwaytara, kouitra and quitra); Arabic الكوترة or عود أندلسي (literally Andalusian oud); is an Algerian stringed instrument, sometimes referred to as the Algerian lute.[1][2] The instrument is tied to Andalusian musical traditions of Moorish people who were pushed out of the Iberian peninsula in the 15th century.[2] That tradition has shrunk further; where the kwitra was once seen in Algeria, today it is mainly an Algerian instrument.[2]
The literal meaning of kwitra in Algerian Arabic (and possibly in the extinct Andalusian Arabic) is "small guitar". It is a regional instrument in the lute family of instruments, related to Italian chitarra.[3]
It has eight strings in four courses. It is tuned G3 G3, E4 E4, A3 A3, D4 D4.[4] The traditional strings are made of animal intestines. They usually have a carved soundhole in the shape of a bowl or vase.
Historically prominent musicians
- Sfinja[5]
- Mouzino[5]
- Ben Teffahi[5]
- Ahmed Essabti[5]
- Mohammed Bahar (recordings exist)[5]
- Philippe Lourenço[5]
- Faten Sioud[5]
- Ahmed Echaytan[5]
See also
References
External links
Media related to Kwitra at Wikimedia Commons
