Setār

The setār (Persian: "three strings") originated around the fifteenth century. By the twentieth century, it had acquired a fourtvh string. Setārs　are used in classical repertoire and to　accompany singing. This unusual flat-backed version was designed for travel. It belonged to Ostad Elahi, who was able to produce a variety of sonorities with it, despite　its small size. In his hands, it was a　powerful instrument.