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.
People unfamiliar with this type of musical device might think the term refers to a book of psalms. There is a connection; psalms were hymns meant to be accompanied by a harp, which is another name for the psaltery. The proper term for a book of these hymns of praise is a psalter.
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.
Today most of the ones used are played with a bow rather than with the fingers. Supposedly a novice with musical training can play actual tunes almost at once, while even those with little aptitude can 'master' the instrument in a matter of hours. Even if you consider yourself musically challenged, the makers of the psaltery say that you can play it successfully.
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.
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.
People unfamiliar with this type of musical device might think the term refers to a book of psalms. There is a connection; psalms were hymns meant to be accompanied by a harp, which is another name for the psaltery. The proper term for a book of these hymns of praise is a psalter.
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.
Today most of the ones used are played with a bow rather than with the fingers. Supposedly a novice with musical training can play actual tunes almost at once, while even those with little aptitude can 'master' the instrument in a matter of hours. Even if you consider yourself musically challenged, the makers of the psaltery say that you can play it successfully.
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.
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.
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.
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