The bandurria is a plucked chordophone from Spain, similar to the mandolin and bandola, primarily used in Spanish folk music, but also found in former Spanish colonies.
Instrument development
Prior to the 18th century, the bandurria had a round back, similar or related to the mandore. It had become a flat-backed instrument by the 18th century, with five double courses of strings, tuned in fourths.
<gallery>
File:bandurria1.jpg|Bandurria (front view)
File:Bandurria2.JPG|Bandurria (back view)
File:bandurria3.jpg|Bandurria (tailpiece)
File:bandurria4.jpg|Bandurria (tuning head)
</gallery>
Variations and uses in different parts of the world
Spain
Juan Ruiz first mentioned the term "mandurria" in the 14th century in his "Libro De Buen Amor." ) is used in an orchestra of plucked string instruments called rondalla. It is tuned a step lower than the Spanish version, that is, low to high: F# B E A D G. Filipino bandurrias have been made with coconuts, and as banjoleles with banjo bodies and goatskin soundboards.
South America
thumb|Bandurria (right) with mandolin in the Horniman museum, London, UK.
There are also many different varieties of bandurria in South America, especially Peru and Bolivia. They have four courses, unlike the traditional Spanish six courses. In Lima, Peru, harp and bandurria duos were common in the early 20th century. Nowadays people there still play bandurria accompanying with the popular vals peruano, or vals criollo.
United Kingdom
Although generally little known in the UK, the bandurria was used by Roy Williamson of the Scottish folk-group The Corrie Folk Trio. When this group later (after the loss of one member) became The Corries, Williamson incorporated a bandurria into one of the two multi-instrument "combolins" that he constructed for himself and his partner.
Notable players and music
- Javier Mas "Tamiz".
- Rick Walker, a British musician, played this instrument on the song 'A Twilight Zone' by the artist Aim.
See also
- Rondalla
- Laúd
- Octavina
- Music in the Philippines
- Music of Peru
- Music of Spain
- Stringed instrument tunings