Psalteries are ancient stringed instruments played with the fingers. We know they were used during worship as early as the third century BC, when the first reference in literature is found. Today most of the instruments of this type are played with a bow. Although other instruments became more prominent during the Renaissance, the psaltery never left the scene. It's supposed to be easy to learn and play, even for those who have no real aptitude for music.
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.
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.
At first, people simply stretched gut strings along a board. Later a 'soundboard' was used, which was hollow and might have holes along its length to improve the tone. Metal strings replaced the gut. Players carried them by a neck strap or played them in their laps. Larger models were placed on a table. There were many shapes, sizes, and differing numbers of strings in these folk instruments.
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.
Bowed models are triangular in shape, with twenty or more strings. Like a piano, there are 'natural' notes and 'sharps and flats'. Even the spaces between pegs have their roles. As mysterious as this sounds to the uninitiated, it is still called the easiest of all to play. The bow action is along the side. Bows are 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.
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.
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.
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.
At first, people simply stretched gut strings along a board. Later a 'soundboard' was used, which was hollow and might have holes along its length to improve the tone. Metal strings replaced the gut. Players carried them by a neck strap or played them in their laps. Larger models were placed on a table. There were many shapes, sizes, and differing numbers of strings in these folk instruments.
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.
Bowed models are triangular in shape, with twenty or more strings. Like a piano, there are 'natural' notes and 'sharps and flats'. Even the spaces between pegs have their roles. As mysterious as this sounds to the uninitiated, it is still called the easiest of all to play. The bow action is along the side. Bows are 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.
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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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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