Tovshuur Explained

Tovshuur
Background:	string
Names:	Tovshuur, Topshuur, Topshur, Toshpulúr, Tavshur
Classification:	Plucked string instrument
Hornbostel Sachs:	321.321
Related:	Komuz, Dombra, Doshpuluur, Balalaika, Sanxian
Musicians:	Temuulen Naranbaatar (The HU), Batzorig Vaanchig, Altai Kai

The tovshuur, also known as topshur or topshuur (Mongolian Cyrillic: Mongolian: товшуур; Mongolian: {{MongolUnicode|ᠲᠣᠪᠰᠢᠭᠤᠷ) is a two- or three-stringed lute played by the Western Mongolian (Oirats) tribes called the Altai Urianghais, the Altais, Tuvans, and Khalkha peoples.^[1] The topshur is closely tied to the folklore of Western Mongolian people and accompanied the performances of storytellers, singing, and dancing.^[2] According to descriptions given by Marco Polo, the Mongols also played the instruments before a battle.^[3]

See also

• Tsuur
• Igil
• Doshpuluur
• Morin khuur
• Music of Tuva
• Music of Mongolia
• List of Mongolian musical instruments

Notes and References

1. Encyclopedia: Pegg . Carole . Inner Asia . Grove Music Online . 2014 . Oxford University Press . 18 Sep 2014 .
2. Encyclopedia: Krader . Lawrence . Altaian . Encyclopedia of World Cultures . 1996 . Macmillan Reference USA . 17 Sep 2014 .
3. Encyclopedia: Pegg . Carole . Topshuur . Grove Music Online . 2014 . Oxford University Press . 18 Sep 2014 .