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Instrument · Strings

Qanun

قانون

Played with finger picks, with small levers that retune strings mid-performance to shift between maqamat. Cascading, harp-like runs are its signature.

Origin

Middle East; a plucked trapezoidal zither with dozens of strings.

Role in the dance

Provides shimmering ornamental waterfalls in orchestral pieces — often matched by travelling steps and arm work.