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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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