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Crwth is a Welsh word, pronounced to rhyme with tooth (SAMPA /kru:T/ or /krUT/). The traditional English name, little used today, is crowd or crouth; it is also known as the rote (rota, rotta, rotte), and, in Latin, the chorus. The Irish word is cruit. The English surname ( family name) Crowder or Crowther means a player of the crwth, as does the Scottish name MacWhirter.
The origins of the crwth go back into antiquity; it is said to have been played in Wales since Roman times at least. It bears a clear resemblance to the classical lyre, with the addition of a bow. It lingered on in Wales much later than elsewhere, but had gone completely out of fashion by the 18th century, or at the latest the early 19thAlternative meaning: Nineteenth Century (periodical ( 18th century — 19th century — 20th century — more centuries) As a means of recording the passage of time, the 19th century was that century which lasted from 1801- 1900. Events The Little Ice Age ended, supplanted by the more versatile and powerful fiddle (violin). There are many carvings, manuscript illustrations and written descriptions of the crwth, but so complete was the abandonment of the instrument that only three 18th-century Welsh examples survive. These are held at the National Library of WalesThe National Library of Wales Llyfrgell Genedlaethol Cymru in Welsh) is a legal deposit library in Aberystwyth, Wales. It is entitled to receive a copy of every book published in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland and houses over 4 million printed in AberystwythAberystwyth (from the Welsh Mouth of the Ystwyth is a historic market town, administrative centre, and seaport of Ceredigion, Wales. It is situated near the confluence of the rivers Ystwyth and Rheidol, about mid way down the length of Cardigan Bay. Abery, the Museum of Welsh Life at St Fagans near CardiffThis article is about the Welsh capital. For the place in United States, see Cardiff, California. Cardiff ( Welsh: Caerdydd from caer "fort," and dydd "Antonius Didius") is the capital and largest city of Wales. It is located in the traditional county of, and WarringtonAlternate uses: see Warrington (disambiguation). Warrington is a town and borough in North West England. It was traditionally in Lancashire, but was moved to Cheshire in 1974. Since April 1, 1998 it has been an independent unitary authority and administra Museum (near ManchesterThis article is about the city in England. For alternative meanings, see Manchester (disambiguation). Manchester is a city in North West England, which in 2002 had a population of approximately 422,302. The city is situated in the centre of the large metr in the North of England).
The crwth consists of a fairly simple box construction with a flat, fretless fingerboard and six gut strings, usually tuned GgDdCc. The G strings run parallel to the fingerboard, but not over it, so these are used as drones, either plucked or bowed. The remaining strings are usually bowed with a short horsehair and wood bow. One characteristic feature of the crwth is that one side of the bridge goes through a soundhole and rests on the back (lower surface) of the instrument. Although it has been conjectured that this is a primitive attempt at a soundpost , something the instrument lacks, it is more likely that it is designed to take some of the weight of the strings off the belly (upper surface): since this is flat and unbraced, it is much weaker than the belly of a violin.
The tuning referred to above is mentioned in several manuscript sources of information about the crwth and is believed to have been the standard tuning for the instrument. It is, however, likely that different tunings would have been employed, as was and still is the case with many other stringed instruments.
The crwth can be played on the shoulder like a violin, between the knees like a cello, or held vertically against the chest, supported with a strap around the player's neck (see picture). However, since the art of crwth-playing died out so completely, the exact manner in which the instrument was traditionally played, like the tunings employed, will probably never be known for certain.
Due to the limited range, as well as the tuning and the flat bridge, the crwth is harmonically limited; its tone can seem rough compared to that of the modern violin, as well as lacking in power, but it is capable of a delicate and gentle sound. For all its technical limitations, the crwth has great charm, and is much more than a historical curiosity.
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