Virtual Instrument Museum

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	Cura Image 1 1000 x 612 780 x 472
	Cura Image 2 1000 x 612 780 x 472

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Name: Cura

Geographic Region: West Asia

Country of origin: Turkey

Classification: Chordophone

Material:

• Wood
• Steel
• Nylon string

SvH No.: 321.321

Related Instruments:

• Baglama
• Chogur
• Setar
• Turkmen dutar

Genres:

• Turkish folk music

Author: Dave Fossum
           

Description | References

Description

The cura (pronounced jura) is the smallest member of the saz family, a class of long-necked lutes used in the performance of Turkish folk music (see the page for Baglama). By comparison with Wesleyan?s 48-inch-long baglama, a medium-sized member of this family, this cura measures 33 inches in length. It has three courses of two strings each. Some cura have only three or even two strings.

The cura is tuned an octave higher than the larger baglama. According to Kurt Reinhard, because of the ease with which it can be transported, the cura is often used by traveling singers (90).

References

Picken, Laurence. 1975. Folk Musical Instruments of Turkey. London: Oxford University Press.

Reinhard, Kurt and Ursula. 1984. Musik der Turkei: Band 2: Die Volksmusik. Wilhelmshaven: Heinrichshofen.

Last Modified: 28-May-2010