By Marcie Goodman
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.
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.
The psaltery was immortalized in many medieval paintings, manuscript illustrations, and sculptures. References to the instruments are found in religious literature from the third century BC. The Renaissance saw the rise of other types of music and the development of instruments with a wider range, like the harpsichord.
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 psalteries made today are designed to be played with a bow. Simple instruction books that come with mass produced models show beginners how to play by the numbers; as proficiency increases, the tune can be modified by ear. It's said that a person with musical training can pick it up and play it right away. Those with no background or even aptitude supposedly can learn to play tunes within a few hours.
Bowed models are triangular in shape, with twenty or more strings. Like a piano, there are 'natural' notes and 'sharps and flats'. Even the spaces between pegs have their roles. As mysterious as this sounds to the uninitiated, it is still called the easiest of all to play. The bow action is along the side. Bows are usually sold separately.
There are many differences in the true psaltery, which was played with the fingers. Photos online
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 psalteries made today are designed to be played with a bow. Simple instruction books that come with mass produced models show beginners how to play by the numbers; as proficiency increases, the tune can be modified by ear. It's said that a person with musical training can pick it up and play it right away. Those with no background or even aptitude supposedly can learn to play tunes within a few hours.
Bowed models are triangular in shape, with twenty or more strings. Like a piano, there are 'natural' notes and 'sharps and flats'. Even the spaces between pegs have their roles. As mysterious as this sounds to the uninitiated, it is still called the easiest of all to play. The bow action is along the side. Bows are usually sold separately.
There are many differences in the true psaltery, which was played with the fingers. Photos online
Most of the psalteries made today are designed to be played with a bow. Simple instruction books that come with mass produced models show beginners how to play by the numbers; as proficiency increases, the tune can be modified by ear. It's said that a person with musical training can pick it up and play it right away. Those with no background or even aptitude supposedly can learn to play tunes within a few hours.
Bowed models are triangular in shape, with twenty or more strings. Like a piano, there are 'natural' notes and 'sharps and flats'. Even the spaces between pegs have their roles. As mysterious as this sounds to the uninitiated, it is still called the easiest of all to play. The bow action is along the side. Bows are usually sold separately.
There are many differences in the true psaltery, which was played with the fingers. Photos online show how individual craftsmen came up with many designs. Today there are mass produced ones - usually bowed variations - and one of a kind pieces made by renowned artisans. There are models for beginners and children, and those made for true proficients.
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.
Bowed models are triangular in shape, with twenty or more strings. Like a piano, there are 'natural' notes and 'sharps and flats'. Even the spaces between pegs have their roles. As mysterious as this sounds to the uninitiated, it is still called the easiest of all to play. The bow action is along the side. Bows are usually sold separately.
There are many differences in the true psaltery, which was played with the fingers. Photos online show how individual craftsmen came up with many designs. Today there are mass produced ones - usually bowed variations - and one of a kind pieces made by renowned artisans. There are models for beginners and children, and those made for true proficients.
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.