therapeutic string instruments
therapeutic strings instruments
About me
At the beginning of the third millennium, in such a chaotic and over-technotized time, I am wholeheartedly thankful to be able to introduce to you a number of unusual, traditional musical instruments created by the ANTON workshop - Lyres, kanteles, crwths, zithers and others.
The first impulse for the founding of this workshop came from the need of the already existing School of Anthroposophic Music Therapy, MUSICI HUMÁNY, under the guidance of Josef Krček, to enhance their range of instruments especially with lyres (the only available ones were important and unaffordable).
At that time I worked as a teacher at the Waldorf school in Příbram and I felt that with my experiences , I could be of help. (years ago, I had finished an apprenticeship in the manufacture of various string instruments). In February 1998, I began with the first small soprano lyre and by fall of that year production commenced full-time. Later, I expanded into other types of lyres and other instruments.
Currently, we build a number of therapeutic instruments, from pentatonic kanteles for children, soprano as well as alto lyres, to a group of string crwths and others.
These and many other reasons are the great motivation behind our work. We are eminently happy that we can be part in the creation of this non-traditional genre of music and we sincerely hope that more and more people will discover our instruments and find in their play happiness and harmony in their hearts.
Thank you.
Rostislav Anton
Therapeutic instruments
Therapeutic instruments
The lyre
The lyre is an ancient musical instrument which together with its relative the harp has a very special place among musical instruments. It reached its biggest eminence in ancient Greece. In Europe it was used until the Renaissance, but then it gradually faded from view.
A new impulse for the rebirth of the lyre as a therapeutical instrument came in the twenties of the 20th century through the work of the contemporary musician and pedagogue E. Pracht, who worked at the GOETHEAN in DORNACH in Switzerland. He decided to build a new model, more suitable for fine eurhythmics. His lyre therefore was not to be just a copy of the old instrument, but a new creation fulfilling the given situation and need. In cooperation with L. GÄRTNER and Dr. I. WEGMANN he developed the first prototypes who laid the foundation for the lyre as an important therapeutical instrument.
The lyre 2018
In 2018 we introduce a major redesign of our lyres improving their sound characteristics and making them more comfortable to play. The new ergonomic shape makes lyres well balanced on player’s lap and easier to play when using both hands without unnecessary tension. Innovations in construction of the frame and inner structure allowed us to make our lyres more durable, better sounding and lighter in weight at the same time.
Solo lyre
New shape and whole proportion offer to a listener very pleasant musical experience. Bright and solid tone of voice relaxes a player and creates peacefull and safe space. Longer measure of strings and inner modificated body construction give to this instrument wide dynamic spectrum, from tones very strong to light silver tones.
This kind of solo lyre is designed especially for players with high demands on quality of playing and for those, who seek noble and charismatic sound.
Chromatic with the whole-tone string layout: E - e''', 49 strings
Chromatic with the traditional string layout: c - e''', 41 strings
We would like to introduce important inovation in our production. Now on all Anton lyres there are small brass pins that hold the string always in the right position maintaining a constatnt space between two rows of strings.
This innovation also helps freeing the sound and avoid ineligible resonation that sometimes occur when strings lead directly to a tuning peg.
Among other news, quality bronze strings are now being used on all lyres providing a better sound and resonance.
Children´s lyre
Its size makes this lyre one of the smallest ones. But even with its small proportions it has a lot to offer. Light and dark tones come together to a harmonious whole which speaks to the chest and breathing apparatus. High-strung strings and the balanced built of the instrument create a steady sonant sound, suitable for solo as well as for a group play.
Chromatic tuning: c´ - c´´´, 25 strings
Diatonic tuning: c´ - c´´´, 15 strings
Pentatonic tuning: d - e´´´, 14 strings
We would like to introduce important inovation in our production. Now on all Anton lyres there are small brass pins that hold the string always in the right position maintaining a constatnt space between two rows of strings.
This innovation also helps freeing the sound and avoid ineligible resonation that sometimes occur when strings lead directly to a tuning peg.
Among other news, quality bronze strings are now being used on all lyres providing a better sound and resonance.
Alto lyre - old model
The construction of the frame and the internal formation of the ribs create a full, warm and low tone. The proportion and the overall shape let the player hold the instrument comfortably and be able to reach the width of strings. The possibility of dynamic play and the creation of melodies in the lower base section encourage especially advanced musicians to play. The instrument is mostly suitable for group play.
Tuning: chromatic, E - g´´, 40 strings
Concerto lyre
New shape and whole proportion offer to a listener very pleasant musical experience. Bright and solid tone of voice relaxes a player and creates peacefull and safe space. Longer measure of strings and inner modificated body construction give to this instrument wide dynamic spectrum, from tones very strong to light silver tones.
This kind of solo lyre is designed especially for players with high demands on quality of playing and for those, who seek noble and charismatic sound.
Chromatic with the whole-tone string layout: C - e''', 53 strings or G# - g#''', 61 strings
Chromatic with the traditional string layout: C - e''', 53 strun
You may listen to its voice here »
We would like to introduce important inovation in our production. Now on all Anton lyres there are small brass pins that hold the string always in the right position maintaining a constatnt space between two rows of strings.
This innovation also helps freeing the sound and avoid ineligible resonation that sometimes occur when strings lead directly to a tuning peg.
Among other news, quality bronze strings are now being used on all lyres providing a better sound and resonance.
Solo lyre B - old model
Its newly adjusted shape and general proportions offer a very pleasant listening experience to the listener. The clear and soft tone relaxes the pla