East Africa · Ethiopia· coming soon

The
Begena

An Ethiopian ten-string lyre, called “the harp of David”, played alone in private devotion. Long droning meditation, never performed for an audience.

ForPrayer & reflectionMoodSacred · droning · ancient

In preparation

Quick answer

The begena is the large ten-string lyre of Ethiopia, played with a plectrum and tuned so that the strings ring together as a slow, low drone. A strip of leather set against the strings makes them buzz, giving the instrument a rough, throbbing sound quite unlike a harp. It is traditionally a devotional instrument, played alone and quietly, and is strongly associated with Lenten reflection in the Ethiopian Orthodox tradition.

The begena is a large box-lyre from the Ethiopian Orthodox tradition, with ten gut or nylon strings stretched over a large wooden body. Its name and lineage are traditionally traced to King David — Ethiopian Orthodox iconography depicts David playing the begena, and the instrument has been associated with private religious meditation in Ethiopian Christianity for at least seven centuries.

Unlike the krar (a smaller, livelier Ethiopian lyre played in social contexts), the begena is not a performance instrument. Its repertoire consists of long, droning, slow pieces traditionally played alone, in private, during periods of fasting or contemplation. The strings buzz characteristically against small leather bridges, producing a low continuous shimmer underneath the melodic figures. Our piece, when it arrives, will hold to that solitary tradition — one player, ten strings, no audience, and the long unhurried tempo of devotion.

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Common questions

Questions people ask about the begena

Why does the begena buzz?

A small piece of leather or hide is positioned where each string crosses the bridge, so the string rattles against it as it vibrates. The buzz is intentional and is considered part of the instrument’s proper voice.

What is the begena used for?

It is a devotional and meditative instrument, often accompanying sung psalms and prayer rather than public performance. It is particularly associated with periods of fasting and reflection.

Is it related to King David’s harp?

Ethiopian tradition connects the begena to the harp of David, and that association is part of how the instrument is understood and taught. It is a traditional attribution rather than a documented historical line.

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Questions people ask about the begena

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