The ancient stringed instruments called psalteries were a form of harp originally plucked with the fingers. Although today most models are played with a bow, we can see the original type in art from ancient times. The Renaissance saw the rise of many more complicated instruments, but the psaltery never disappeared altogether from the musical scene. It's supposed to be the easiest of all devices to play, even for someone totally untrained in music.
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, gut strings were stretched along a board and plucked with the fingers. Musicians wore them suspended from a neck strap or played them in their laps while seated. Later the soundboard was invented, which is basically a hollow box with or without holes for better tone. If the instrument was too large to be portable, it was laid on a table for performances. Metal strings replaced gut ones at about the same time as the soundboard was invented.
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, with multiple strings that cross the soundboard at an angle. Play is along the side of the instrument. Like the white and black keys of a piano, there are 'normal' notes and 'sharps' and 'flats', with even the spaces between pegs having significance. This might sound complicated, but the claim is that this is the easiest way of all to make music. Bows are sold separately.
There is a lot of history online, as well as examples of ancient and modern harps of this kind. You'll see a wide range of shape, size, and number of strings. There are models for both adults and children on today's market. Artisans hand craft them out of carefully selected wood, making one of a kind treasures, and mass marketers also offer them. For bargains, look on auction sites where you can make a bid.
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, gut strings were stretched along a board and plucked with the fingers. Musicians wore them suspended from a neck strap or played them in their laps while seated. Later the soundboard was invented, which is basically a hollow box with or without holes for better tone. If the instrument was too large to be portable, it was laid on a table for performances. Metal strings replaced gut ones at about the same time as the soundboard was invented.
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, with multiple strings that cross the soundboard at an angle. Play is along the side of the instrument. Like the white and black keys of a piano, there are 'normal' notes and 'sharps' and 'flats', with even the spaces between pegs having significance. This might sound complicated, but the claim is that this is the easiest way of all to make music. Bows are sold separately.
There is a lot of history online, as well as examples of ancient and modern harps of this kind. You'll see a wide range of shape, size, and number of strings. There are models for both adults and children on today's market. Artisans hand craft them out of carefully selected wood, making one of a kind treasures, and mass marketers also offer them. For bargains, look on auction sites where you can make a bid.
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.
No comments:
Post a Comment