The recorded origin of the psaltery is Greece. Similar instruments have been reported in other regions with the uniformity in use of fingers to pluck as opposed to plectrums. The evolution of psalteries has taken years and resulted in a variety of designs being commercialized while others are confined to their communities of origin. They were common in the medieval age especially in Europe.
The bible records instances where the psaltery has been used to translate and pronounce new or foreign words. This was especially useful to kings and orators so that they could get these words correctly. The instances are recorded in Daniel, Psalms, Kings, Samuel and Chronicles. The instrument would be used to give the right pitch during pronunciation.
The psaltery consists of a sound board and several strings attached uniformly at an angle. These strings are pre-tuned and produce the desired sound when plucked. Its small size makes it portable to be used in different locations. The uses vary from one person or society to the other. Differences in sizes make the range or pitch of various instruments to vary.
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 19th and 20th centuries have witnessed the birth of new design variations. The most common is the triangular shaped with a bow end where strings are attached. This has been popularized by commercialization but is yet to overshadow traditional instruments in different communities. This explains the existing variations in different regions.
The bowed psaltery is also referred to as the zither. It requires a bow to play and is a slight modification of original design. The strings are arranged in chords to allow a player to actualize any melody. The other hand strums the strings in order to accompany the bowing effect.
Extension of strings on the modern triangular design allows sharps and flats to be factored. This design has a chromatic approach during tuning such that the sound produced is standardized. Specific features and overall design largely depends on community or society of origin. The most popular design has been the violin bow and is aided by commercialization.
Individual players adopt unique playing styles depending on the music of specialization. This has seen differences in sounds across performances. The small size allows it to be held on one hand as the player bows with the other. Additional tone comes from finger strumming.
The design might not allow conventional finger plucking because the strings are too close together. This leaves the player with the option of plucking at the end. Sound is amplified by the soundbox with special holes to allow penetration of sound from the strings.
Psaltery owners get their instruments personalized through coloring and addition of graphics on the body. This does not compromise the quality of sound produced. There are experts who have mastered bowing to the point of using two bows. The pair facilitates double stopping. The properties of a bow, including string quality and tightness, affect the sound produced. This is an incredible acoustic addition to any music.
The bible records instances where the psaltery has been used to translate and pronounce new or foreign words. This was especially useful to kings and orators so that they could get these words correctly. The instances are recorded in Daniel, Psalms, Kings, Samuel and Chronicles. The instrument would be used to give the right pitch during pronunciation.
The psaltery consists of a sound board and several strings attached uniformly at an angle. These strings are pre-tuned and produce the desired sound when plucked. Its small size makes it portable to be used in different locations. The uses vary from one person or society to the other. Differences in sizes make the range or pitch of various instruments to vary.
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 19th and 20th centuries have witnessed the birth of new design variations. The most common is the triangular shaped with a bow end where strings are attached. This has been popularized by commercialization but is yet to overshadow traditional instruments in different communities. This explains the existing variations in different regions.
The bowed psaltery is also referred to as the zither. It requires a bow to play and is a slight modification of original design. The strings are arranged in chords to allow a player to actualize any melody. The other hand strums the strings in order to accompany the bowing effect.
Extension of strings on the modern triangular design allows sharps and flats to be factored. This design has a chromatic approach during tuning such that the sound produced is standardized. Specific features and overall design largely depends on community or society of origin. The most popular design has been the violin bow and is aided by commercialization.
Individual players adopt unique playing styles depending on the music of specialization. This has seen differences in sounds across performances. The small size allows it to be held on one hand as the player bows with the other. Additional tone comes from finger strumming.
The design might not allow conventional finger plucking because the strings are too close together. This leaves the player with the option of plucking at the end. Sound is amplified by the soundbox with special holes to allow penetration of sound from the strings.
Psaltery owners get their instruments personalized through coloring and addition of graphics on the body. This does not compromise the quality of sound produced. There are experts who have mastered bowing to the point of using two bows. The pair facilitates double stopping. The properties of a bow, including string quality and tightness, affect the sound produced. This is an incredible acoustic addition to any music.
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