Kanklės and the Tradition of Kankliavimas in Lithuania

Kanklės (Baltic psaltery) and kankliavimas (playing the kanklės) represent a long-standing musical tradition in Lithuania, encompassing the craftsmanship of the instrument, its repertoire, musical customs, playing techniques, and performance styles. This tradition bridges both traditional folk music and modern artistic interpretations, including stage performances and academic compositions.

The origins of kankliavimas are believed to date back thousands of years, with the first written mention of kanklės appearing in Jonas Bretkūnas’ 16th-century translation of the Bible. Originally played in rural settings, the instrument gained popularity in urban communities during the early 20th century and eventually became a symbol of Lithuanian national identity. Today, kanklės continue to be played by individuals and communities across Lithuania and among Lithuanian diaspora groups abroad. Different ethnographic regions of Lithuania maintain their own distinct kanklės traditions, with variations in the instrument’s construction, playing techniques, and repertoire.

In northeastern Aukštaitija, an archaic form of sutartinės (polyphonic songs) is performed on hollowed-out five-string kanklės, a tradition documented in the Biržai, Rokiškis, Kupiškis, and Panevėžys districts. In other parts of Aukštaitija, such as Panevėžys, Užpaliai, and Utena, kanklės ensembles play on late-period multi-string kanklės crafted by masters Stasys Rudys and Juozas Lašas. In Žemaitija, traditional ensembles continue to play the Žemaitian-style flat-bottomed, trapezoidal kanklės with 9 to 12 strings. Today, the most active tradition-bearers are found in Kelmė, Gargždai, Vėžaičiai, Skaudvilė, Šilalė, and Akmenė.

The Suvalkian-style kanklės are distinct for their rounded, ornately decorated body end, featuring a drūtgalis closure known as a baronka. Strong centers of ensemble kanklės playing include Skriaudžiai—home to the Kanklės ensemble, founded in 1906—along with Griškabūdis, Vilkaviškis, Marijampolė, and Kazlų Rūda. In Lithuania Minor, kanklės-harp and psaltery (psalterium) traditions have been revived through reconstructions by Antanas Butkus, based on historical sources. Multi-string kanklės are used to perform regional folk songs and dance melodies, as well as to accompany singing and hymn chanting. Depending on the repertoire, regional influences, or the musician’s preference, kankliavimas techniques include finger-plucking (pirštinis), strumming (braukiamasis), or damping (miršus).

The tradition of kanklės playing is actively preserved and promoted through educational programs, workshops, conferences, festivals, and other public events, as well as through online communities. Researchers, instrument makers, and tradition-bearers are dedicated to sharing their knowledge, publishing educational and academic materials, and ensuring the continuity of this musical heritage. Alongside traditional playing, contemporary kankliavimas and concert-style performances continue to develop, keeping the music of kanklės alive at national celebrations, commemorations, and international cultural events.

Submission by: Kaunas City Museum’s Department of National Music, Pabiržė National Culture Association

Tradition Bearers: Kanklės musicians and enthusiasts in Lithuania and abroad, kanklės makers, researchers

Certificate No. NKPVS-68