Sherri Farley | Hammered Dulcimer Music & Programs
About
Dulcimer:
"Dulcis-Melos"
Latin + Greek meaning "Sweet Sound"
Two dissimilar instruments share the name "dulcimer."
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The Hammered Dulcimer
dates back several thousands of years to the Middle East. A forerunner to the piano, it once enjoyed popularity in the U.S. as a parlor instrument and was prominent in Henry Ford's Orchestra. Though at one time at risk of becoming a dying art, the instrument again found favor in many acoustic music circles. Trapezoid in shape, it has a wooden soundboard upon which numerous strings are stretched. The player strikes the strings with lightweight wooden mallets, or hammers.
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Mountain Dulcimers
(Also called Fretted or Appalachian Dulcimers)
are notably characterized as one of the few American-born instruments, developed by early Appalachian settlers. Usually hourglass or teardrop shaped, they have three or four strings that are strummed or plucked, producing a distinctive sweet, mellow tone.
Sherri Farley
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Sherri Farley began playing the hammered dulcimer in 1991, performing since at numerous festivals and concert venues including Chicago’s Museum Campus opening, historic Sandwich Opera House, Chicago Botanical Gardens, and WTTW Channel 11. She has recorded and guest-recorded on several CD’s, and passed the artform along to hundreds through workshops and lessons.
Fun with Old Photos
Video Oldie
Happened upon this video from September 26, 1998. It was filmed at the Milk Pail in Dundee, IL by Lee Cornell, wife of (deceased) Ed Cornell. The first two songs sung by Ed were his favorites, and those who knew Ed will agree he was in full form! The remainder of the clip features dulcimer music.