As a counterpoint to these chaotic, digital times, I am happy to introduce a range of healing musical instruments from my workshop ANTON LYRA, which harmonize the body and soul with their sound.
The first impulse for the creation of the studio came from the need to add lyres to the instrumentarium of the then active school of anthroposophical music therapy MUSICA HUMANA under the leadership of Josef Krcek, a renowned therapist and great musician. The only instruments were available at high prices only abroad.
At the time when I was a class teacher at the Waldorf school in Pribram, I felt that I could help in the field of lyre production. Thanks to my previously acquired experience in the manufacture of stringed musical instruments, in February 1998 I started to construct the first small soprano lyre and in the autumn of the same year I opened a workshop for the manufacture of therapeutic musical instruments. Later, I expanded the basic shape with other types and added other types of instruments.
A significant professional milestone for me was in 2003, when I began working with therapist and virtuoso lyre player of world-class stature, Jan Braunstein. From the beginning Jan was interested in the lyre as a phenomenon and was actively involved in the collaboration with me. From then until now, many successful joint projects have been created that have pushed the development of the Czech lyre to a world-class level.
At present, I draw on more than thirty years of experience in the production of musical instruments. Working with wood is still very joyful, enriching and even fascinating for me. Wood, as an amazing medium in the search for new possibilities of design, shapes and perfect balance of tones in the production of musical instruments, has become the driving force and motivation for my work.
Above all, however, it is the feeling that playing my instruments brings people joy and calm, where they can benefit from the harmonizing, holistic therapy of the sound of the lyre. I am delighted that the instruments I have created have been played by people in more than twenty countries around the world, for example in Australia, Brazil or Kenya in Africa and also in Oman.
I am happy to be able to devote myself to this beautiful activity and to participate in this non-traditional musical direction. I firmly believe that there will be more and more people who will come to me and find much joy and harmony in playing my instruments.
Thank you.
The lyre is an ancient musical instrument which, along with its sister the harp, holds a very special position among stringed musical instruments. It achieved its greatest fame in ancient Greece. In Europe, it survived until the Renaissance, after which it gradually disappeared.
A new impetus for the resurgence of the lyre as a therapeutic instrument was given in the 1920s by the musician and teacher of the time, E. Pracht, who worked at GOETHEAN in Dornach, Switzerland. He came up with the idea of building a new instrument more suitable for gentle eurhythmy. His lyre was therefore not intended to be a copy of the old shape, but was created in a new way in response to the situation and the needs of man. Subsequently, in collaboration with L. GÄRTNER and Dr. I. WEGMANN, the first prototypes were created, laying the basis for such an important therapeutic instrument as the lyre.
The lyre is an exceptional sound phenomenon. Its long, trembling tone creates a bridge between audible and inaudible music that penetrates into the heart of man and affects his heart and emotions. It is no coincidence that through these abilities, the lyre has found a place in a wide range of social spheres, for example in Camphils, homes for handicapped youngsters, Waldorf schools, as well as in therapeutic groups and concert ensembles.
Lyra 2018
After many years of development, where we have put all our experience in the fields of design, acoustics, statics and wood in combination with carbon technology to good use, we are introducing a new type of lyre that makes the playing itself more enjoyable and better in terms of shape, construction and, above all, sound. The new ergonomic shape and lower weight allow the instrument to be well balanced and comfortable on the player's lap. Also, the ample playing space brings much greater playing comfort without unnecessary strain. The structural carbon reinforcements sufficiently strengthen the wooden frame and front soundboard, therefore there is no deformation and opening of the joints. Thanks to this technology, the lyre has great static strength and stability in holding tuning, as well as greater resistance to humidity and extreme temperature. The lyre is available in three types - soprano, solo and concert.
Currently, all solo and concert lyres have full carbon backing, which is why we also recommend them as durable instruments for countries where humidity and temperature are high!
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.
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
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.
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.
Its newly adjusted shape and general proportions offer a very pleasant listening experience to the listener. The clear and soft tone relaxes the player and creates a comfortable, protected space. A longer diapason of the base strings and a modified internal construction give this instrument a significant dynamic spectrum from very strong to very light, silver tones. This second type of lyre also offers comfortable holding and easy play, which will appreciate beginners as well as advanced players.
Tuning: chromatic, c - d´´´, 39 strings
The lyres with the new tuning are also available to build.
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.
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
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.
The Kantele is a traditional Finnish folk instrument, representing the family of zithers.
It is first mentioned in an ancient Finnish poem, where it symbolizes a mythical sorcerer with the name of VÄINÄMÖINEN, who created the instrument from whalebones, with strings from the hair of a young Finnish maid.
Originally, the kantele had only 5 horse-hair strings. It was used to accompany runic chants until the 18th century.
This type of kantele we offer is carved out of one piece of maple wood in a shape of a fish. The very fine tones in the gapped scale call for very carefull listening and convey an intense experience.
As a therapeutical instrument it is mainly aimed to children under the age of eight. It can of course be used for individual music making, for the sheer joy of playing.
Tuning: pentatonic, d´, e´, g´, a´, h´, d´´, e´´, 7 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.
It has a simple wing shaped and closed body.
A sufficiently large contents and a large sounding board create rather strong well-balanced tone with a captivating sound. The instrument is tuned in the diatonic or the gapped scale. It is suitable for younger school children or special teachers. Its superiour sound makes it an ideal concert instrument in small or large orchestral bodies.
Tuning: diatonic, c´ - c´´, 15 strings
Tuning: pentatonic, d´, e´, g´, a´, h´, d´´, e´´, g´´, a´´, h´´, d´´´, e´´´, 12 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.
Originally the instrument of Celtic singers, known since the 6th century, the crwth’s form is reminiscent of the lyre. Later it became a popular string instrument in the English and Irish country side.
This instrument combines therapeutic sound quality with broad possibilities of music play. The diapason as well as the tuning are that of clasical violoncello. With its characteristic tone color and the extend of its sound, the instrument comes close to the naturalness of human song. The tone of the tenor cwrth is soft and warming and conveys a more intimate mood than the violoncello. While keeping with the violoncello playing technique even the most discriminated players can use the peculiar expressive abilities of this instrument.
Tuning: C, G, d, a, 4 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.
The bass crwth is a very specific string instrument with an unusual sound color and quality in base register. Thanks to specially designed bridge which connects the front and back board of the crwth (similary as the core in classical instruments), the whole instrument pleasantly vibrates during play. The crwth creates a very strong sound possible experience, which calms and relaxes any muscle tension. A part from very broad use in therapy, the bass crwth can be used as a bass instrument in group play. The crwth has only two strings, which makes it easy to play even for less experienced players.
Tuning: C, G, 2 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.
The type that we offer has been modified from its original shape, originating from the old welsh crwth.
A specific bridge and body give this instrument a very earthern, soft and warming sound, which can be especially applied in music therapy. But its characteristic sound color will also be an enrichment to any group playing old music.
Tuning: g, d, a´, e´, 4 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.
The psalter (or psalterion, saltere, psalterium, etc.) is an ancient musical instrument, played since ancient times in many countries in various forms. Early versions consisted of a simple board with gut strings, strung between tuning pins.
The modern form with its sharp triangle form finds its use mainly in music therapy. The instrument that we offer combines sound of a therapeutical quality with a very interesting and singular design. The sound of a psalter is crystal clear, silvery bright, reminiscent of a ray of light. Its range of more than two chromatic octaves offers to players a rich musical experience.
Tuning: chromatic, c´ - e´´´, 29 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.
Thanks to their very good properties, high static strength, flexibility and low weight, modern carbon technologies have gradually become a fixed part of our production in the structural elements for reinforcing wooden frames and also tool faces. They provide up to 8o% compressive and tensile strength. Due to their elasticity and good acoustic properties, the fibres are used to reinforce the front soundboards, which have a so-called compression keel. Lyres that carry a load of over 800 kg on the frame are much more durable with this support and much more stable in terms of deformation.
Nowadays, all solo and concert lyres have full carbon support, which is why we also recommend them as durable instruments for countries with high humidity and temperature!
The studio was founded in 1998 on the impulse of Mr. Josef Krček (music teacher, therapist and wind instrument player), who was running a school of anthroposophical music therapy MUSIC HUMAN in Příbram. The workshop was born out of the need to supplement the instrumentarium with lyres. The only instruments were available at high prices only abroad. Based on the cooperation with Josef Krcek, during the first years we started to construct other types of lyres and added other types of musical instruments besides therapeutic ones, including replicas of historical ones.
An important milestone for us was our participation in the first international lyre congress in Hamburg in 2000. At that time we were the only representatives of the "Eastern sector" in the field of lyre production. The International Lyre Association was also founded there. At this moment ANTON Workshop became internationally known and cooperation with a number of therapeutic groups, workshops and schools all over the world was started. Since then, we have been participating almost regularly in international lyre meetings every three years, hosting participants in Belfast (Northern Ireland), New Hampshire in the USA, several times in Germany or in Jarna, Sweden, and most recently in 2022 in Český Krumlov.
Another interesting impulse was the meeting in 2001 with Mr. Jiří Wehl, (a charismatic player of the ninara and harp, singer and troubadour), who gradually ordered copies of many historical instruments in our workshop. This collaboration resulted in the creation of a whole family of these replicas, with which we participated several times in a sales exhibition in central France in Saint Chartier.
Probably the most important professional milestone for us was in 2004, when we began working with the DELOS studio, with the therapist and virtuoso lyre player Jan Braunstein. From the very beginning, Jan was interested in the lyre as a phenomenon and actively participated in the collaboration with me. From then until now, many interesting joint projects have been created, which have pushed the development of the Czech lyre to the world level.
The Anton workshop also boasts a cooperation with the Strážnice Museum (NÚLK). Over the years, two EU-funded projects have been carried out, resulting in two books and two one-hour films showing the production of old musical instruments using original folk technology. Firstly, a bass TRUMŠAJT and then a copy of a two hundred year old zither, which the museum owned only as a torso in its instrumentarium.
In 2016, we gradually began to work with Mr. Jiří Mottl, an expert in carbon fabrics and epoxy resins. We have incorporated carbon and epoxy technologies as an unmissable part of our production, which in many ways have fundamentally improved the construction of lyres and opened the way to a modern way of conceiving stringed instruments.
Today we offer a range of mainly therapeutic instruments, from children's cantelles to a group of chrottos, psalteries to large concert lyres with a range of five octaves.
In the more than 26 years of existence of the ANTONLYRA workshop, more than 700 musical instruments have been gradually created, including around 500 lyres, which have gradually found their customers in more than twenty countries around the world.
SOPHIA Concerto lyre | 53 strings, C - e''', chromatic Repl. strings | 2 600 € 450 € |
PRANA Solo lyre | 43 strings, c - e''', chromatic Repl. strings | 1 620 € 280 € |
NYMPH Solo lyre | 41 strings, c - d''', chromatic Repl. strings | 1 350 € 280 € |
SYLPH Soprano lyre | 37 strings, c - c''', chromatic Repl. strings | 980 € 240 € |
VIRGIN Alto lyre | 34 strings, G - e'', chromatic Repl. strings | 1 120 € 240 € |
ELF Soprano lyre - small | 25 strings, c'-c''', chromatic | 620 € |
Prices include a hard case and a tuning key.
Psaltery soprano | 29 strings, c´ - g''', chromatic | 720 € |
Psaltery alto | chromatic | 980 € |
Violin crwth | 4 strings, violin range | 1 400 € |
Crwth tenor | 4 strings, cello range | 2 650 € |
Crwth bass | 2 strings, G - d | 1 450 € |