National instrument of Finland, the kantele is part of a family of zithers known as the Baltic psalteries.  This string instrument has been around for thousands of years, but it was not until the 19th century that it really gained legendary status.  As Finland was struggling for independence, a story of the kantele was fashioned from Finnic myth and folklore.

This epic poem known as The Kalevela tells the story of a mage who makes the first kantele from the jawbone of a giant fish and the hairs of a stallion.  With his magical instrument he goes into the forest and plays such beautiful music that creatures from all around come to listen in wonder.  By 1917 The Kalevela had played a large role in developing national identity and ultimately helped Finland establish independence from Russia.

After the video Click Here to see another piece of world music.

It is really something to capture the sound of a culture, let alone to display the sound of another, especially at such a young age, but that is exactly what we have here as a British girl sits behind the Chinese guzheng and delivers an absolutely amazing performance for all to enjoy.

After the video, Click Here to check out another string instrument.