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 is unfamiliar to many, and others may think it refers to a collection of psalms, which are hymns of praise. It does not; the proper term for a book of hymns meant to be accompanied by harp music is a psalter. The connection is shown in the word used for these hymns: psalms.
Paintings, illustrated manuscripts, and sculptures from medieval Europe show many variations on the theme of strings stretched along a board. There are literary references to the instrument dating from the third century BC. The more complicated and sophisticated music of the Renaissance saw the rise of other instruments, like the harpsichord, and the psaltery declined in popularity.
In the beginning, these were simply boards with gut strings stretched along them. Later, hollow boxes, or sounding boards, were used. Holes in the board gave more depth to the sound, and metal strings were introduced. It was meant to be held in the lap or suspended from a strap around the neck. Larger models could be laid upon a table for playing. Many shapes and sizes were made by players across Europe.
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.
Psalteries are examples of living history, testifying to mankind's long desire to make music. Prices range from under a hundred dollars for a learner's model to several hundreds, depending on the source and the quality of the instrument. It's enticing to think that the whole family can learn to play by numbers and give their music a personal touch as their 'ear' develops. For a combined history and music lesson, think about one of these harps with a long heritage.
The name is unfamiliar to many, and others may think it refers to a collection of psalms, which are hymns of praise. It does not; the proper term for a book of hymns meant to be accompanied by harp music is a psalter. The connection is shown in the word used for these hymns: psalms.
Paintings, illustrated manuscripts, and sculptures from medieval Europe show many variations on the theme of strings stretched along a board. There are literary references to the instrument dating from the third century BC. The more complicated and sophisticated music of the Renaissance saw the rise of other instruments, like the harpsichord, and the psaltery declined in popularity.
In the beginning, these were simply boards with gut strings stretched along them. Later, hollow boxes, or sounding boards, were used. Holes in the board gave more depth to the sound, and metal strings were introduced. It was meant to be held in the lap or suspended from a strap around the neck. Larger models could be laid upon a table for playing. Many shapes and sizes were made by players across Europe.
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.
Psalteries are examples of living history, testifying to mankind's long desire to make music. Prices range from under a hundred dollars for a learner's model to several hundreds, depending on the source and the quality of the instrument. It's enticing to think that the whole family can learn to play by numbers and give their music a personal touch as their 'ear' develops. For a combined history and music lesson, think about one of these harps with a long heritage.
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