By Ina Hunt
The psaltery has its origin in ancient Greece as a sharp-like instrument. It was originally played using fingers instead of plucking with plectrums. Psalteries vary slightly from one place of origin to the other. Some can be traced back to Europe while others were used in the medieval age. In these regions, there are slight variations in design and name.
Religious scriptures record instances where this instrument was used in translating foreign words whose meaning was unknown. This information is recorded in the books of Psalms, Samuel, Kings, Chronicles and Daniel. The idea is to offer the pitch during pronunciation so that the kings or orators get the words right.
Religious scriptures record instances where this instrument was used in translating foreign words whose meaning was unknown. This information is recorded in the books of Psalms, Samuel, Kings, Chronicles and Daniel. The idea is to offer the pitch during pronunciation so that the kings or orators get the words right.
The general design for a psaltery consists of a sound board with a number of strings attached at an angle. The sound produced depends on the tuning. It comes in a small portable size which allows it to be used in many locations. The community of origin determines how and when it is used. The pitch of sound produced varies from one instrument to the other especially depending on size.
The medieval age placed greater importance on the psaltery especially as part of palace entertainment. This is evident from the way the instrument remains a common place in sculptures and paintings. Manuscripts for theatric actions also preserved a special place for the instrument. This explains its popularity at the era.
The designs that emerged in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries have become popular because of commercialization. They comprise of a triangular shape with bowed ends from where strings were attached. The popularity of this variation has overshadowed others that still exist in the enclaves of parent communities.
The bowed psaltery, also referred to as the zither is modified slightly and comes with a playing bow. This is unlike the original design which was played using fingers. The new model has chromatically arranged strings. It produces standard tunes when bowed.
The triangular effect allows each set of strings to extend further than the previous. This is for the chromatic effect which has been enhanced to factor sharps and flats in music. The design of the bow varies depending on its origin. The violin bow is more popular.
The style of play depends on individual instrumentalists and the music they are performing. This allows for one note at a time play or a fitting melodic rhythm. It may be held with one hand and bowed with the other. The other option involves plucking in order to add tone to the tune.
Modern designs have their string
The medieval age placed greater importance on the psaltery especially as part of palace entertainment. This is evident from the way the instrument remains a common place in sculptures and paintings. Manuscripts for theatric actions also preserved a special place for the instrument. This explains its popularity at the era.
The designs that emerged in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries have become popular because of commercialization. They comprise of a triangular shape with bowed ends from where strings were attached. The popularity of this variation has overshadowed others that still exist in the enclaves of parent communities.
The bowed psaltery, also referred to as the zither is modified slightly and comes with a playing bow. This is unlike the original design which was played using fingers. The new model has chromatically arranged strings. It produces standard tunes when bowed.
The triangular effect allows each set of strings to extend further than the previous. This is for the chromatic effect which has been enhanced to factor sharps and flats in music. The design of the bow varies depending on its origin. The violin bow is more popular.
The style of play depends on individual instrumentalists and the music they are performing. This allows for one note at a time play or a fitting melodic rhythm. It may be held with one hand and bowed with the other. The other option involves plucking in order to add tone to the tune.
Modern designs have their string
The bowed psaltery, also referred to as the zither is modified slightly and comes with a playing bow. This is unlike the original design which was played using fingers. The new model has chromatically arranged strings. It produces standard tunes when bowed.
The triangular effect allows each set of strings to extend further than the previous. This is for the chromatic effect which has been enhanced to factor sharps and flats in music. The design of the bow varies depending on its origin. The violin bow is more popular.
The style of play depends on individual instrumentalists and the music they are performing. This allows for one note at a time play or a fitting melodic rhythm. It may be held with one hand and bowed with the other. The other option involves plucking in order to add tone to the tune.
Modern designs have their strings close together in a way that hinders strumming. Such closeness makes individual plucking a bit of a challenge unless the player decides to do it at the ends. Sound is amplified by the sound box which has strategically perforated holes for this purpose.
The psaltery may be customized with different colors provided the quality of sound is maintained. Professionals play with two bows so that they can achieve double stopping. The tightness of the bow is likely to affect the pitch and quality of sound produced. This is an incredible acoustic addition to any music.
The triangular effect allows each set of strings to extend further than the previous. This is for the chromatic effect which has been enhanced to factor sharps and flats in music. The design of the bow varies depending on its origin. The violin bow is more popular.
The style of play depends on individual instrumentalists and the music they are performing. This allows for one note at a time play or a fitting melodic rhythm. It may be held with one hand and bowed with the other. The other option involves plucking in order to add tone to the tune.
Modern designs have their strings close together in a way that hinders strumming. Such closeness makes individual plucking a bit of a challenge unless the player decides to do it at the ends. Sound is amplified by the sound box which has strategically perforated holes for this purpose.
The psaltery may be customized with different colors provided the quality of sound is maintained. Professionals play with two bows so that they can achieve double stopping. The tightness of the bow is likely to affect the pitch and quality of sound produced. This is an incredible acoustic addition to any music.