Psalteries are ancient stringed instruments made to be played with the fingers. Today, the 'bowed' psaltery is more familiar to many; this modern variation is played with a bow. The instrument went out of prominence during the Renaissance but never entirely disappeared. It's said to be the easiest of all instruments to learn, even for those without prior training or much aptitude.
The name of the instrument is unfamiliar to many, and can be confused with the term 'psalter', which is a book of psalms. The psalms are hymns of praise and were accompanied by harp music, played on psalteries. The origins and development of this instrument are intertwined with worship.
Many different versions of this lap harp are found in European medieval paintings, illustrations in manuscripts, and sculpture. The Renaissance saw the rise of sophisticated music and instruments like the harpsichord, and the psaltery went out of fashion.
At first, people simply stretched gut strings along a board. Later a 'soundboard' was used, which was hollow and might have holes along its length to improve the tone. Metal strings replaced the gut. Players carried them by a neck strap or played them in their laps. Larger models were placed on a table. There were many shapes, sizes, and differing numbers of strings in these folk instruments.
Most of the ones for sale today are the bowed type. A new one will come with instructions. Play is learned by following the numbers on beginner models; the tune can be adjusted by ear as proficiency increases. Supposedly a person with a musical background can learn to play in a matter of minutes, while even the musically challenged can 'master' the instrument in a few hours. Of course, as with any craft, practice makes perfect.
The bowed psaltery is triangular in shape, with variations on the basic design. There will be twenty or more strings in most models. There are 'natural notes' as well as sharps and flats, with more nuances from the spaces between the pegs that hold the strings in place. Although this may sound complicated, it's supposed to be the easiest of all music making tools to master. The bow is usually sold separately.
Go online to see the various kinds of sounding boards, differing numbers of strings, and sizes from easily portable to table-top models. The history is fascinating and the promise of easy mastery enticing. People are handcrafting them in beautiful woods, and there are mass market models for adults and children. They are sold on auction sites or commissioned as one of a kind pieces from renowned artisans. They are often played with dulcimers, to give you an idea of the kind of music they produce.
The long history and the ease of playing psalteries makes them fascinating and enticing. Combine history and music lessons for your family - learn to play the psaltery together. Costs range from under $100.00 to much more for a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. They can be found on auction sites, to be won by the highest bidder.
The name of the instrument is unfamiliar to many, and can be confused with the term 'psalter', which is a book of psalms. The psalms are hymns of praise and were accompanied by harp music, played on psalteries. The origins and development of this instrument are intertwined with worship.
Many different versions of this lap harp are found in European medieval paintings, illustrations in manuscripts, and sculpture. The Renaissance saw the rise of sophisticated music and instruments like the harpsichord, and the psaltery went out of fashion.
At first, people simply stretched gut strings along a board. Later a 'soundboard' was used, which was hollow and might have holes along its length to improve the tone. Metal strings replaced the gut. Players carried them by a neck strap or played them in their laps. Larger models were placed on a table. There were many shapes, sizes, and differing numbers of strings in these folk instruments.
Most of the ones for sale today are the bowed type. A new one will come with instructions. Play is learned by following the numbers on beginner models; the tune can be adjusted by ear as proficiency increases. Supposedly a person with a musical background can learn to play in a matter of minutes, while even the musically challenged can 'master' the instrument in a few hours. Of course, as with any craft, practice makes perfect.
The bowed psaltery is triangular in shape, with variations on the basic design. There will be twenty or more strings in most models. There are 'natural notes' as well as sharps and flats, with more nuances from the spaces between the pegs that hold the strings in place. Although this may sound complicated, it's supposed to be the easiest of all music making tools to master. The bow is usually sold separately.
Go online to see the various kinds of sounding boards, differing numbers of strings, and sizes from easily portable to table-top models. The history is fascinating and the promise of easy mastery enticing. People are handcrafting them in beautiful woods, and there are mass market models for adults and children. They are sold on auction sites or commissioned as one of a kind pieces from renowned artisans. They are often played with dulcimers, to give you an idea of the kind of music they produce.
The long history and the ease of playing psalteries makes them fascinating and enticing. Combine history and music lessons for your family - learn to play the psaltery together. Costs range from under $100.00 to much more for a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. They can be found on auction sites, to be won by the highest bidder.
About the Author:
If you are looking for hand crafted and beautiful psalteries come to Dave's Psaltry. Check out how each instrument is made when you visit us online today at http://www.davespsaltery.com.
No comments:
Post a Comment