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 general design for a psaltery consists of a sound board with a number of strings attached at an angle. The sound produced depends on the tuning. It comes in a small portable size which allows it to be used in many locations. The community of origin determines how and when it is used. The pitch of sound produced varies from one instrument to the other especially depending on size.
Psaltery had a special position in the medieval age. This is explained by the fact that the instrument was a common feature in most paintings and theatrical performances. It was common to find scripted sections in manuscripts. Entertainment in palaces would not be complete without the instrument.
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, also referred to as the zither is modified slightly and comes with a playing bow. This is unlike the original design which was played using fingers. The new model has chromatically arranged strings. It produces standard tunes when bowed.
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 closeness of strings is a hindrance when strumming. The strings are arranged too close together. The other option in this case is plucking at the ends. A soundbox amplifies the sound aided by strategically perforated holes.
Individuals personalize their instruments through coloring without affecting sound production or quality. Experts in bowing can use two bows in order to achieve double stopping. The quality and pitch of produced sound depend on how tight a bow is, among other factors. The instrument produces beautiful acoustic sound.
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 general design for a psaltery consists of a sound board with a number of strings attached at an angle. The sound produced depends on the tuning. It comes in a small portable size which allows it to be used in many locations. The community of origin determines how and when it is used. The pitch of sound produced varies from one instrument to the other especially depending on size.
Psaltery had a special position in the medieval age. This is explained by the fact that the instrument was a common feature in most paintings and theatrical performances. It was common to find scripted sections in manuscripts. Entertainment in palaces would not be complete without the instrument.
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, also referred to as the zither is modified slightly and comes with a playing bow. This is unlike the original design which was played using fingers. The new model has chromatically arranged strings. It produces standard tunes when bowed.
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 closeness of strings is a hindrance when strumming. The strings are arranged too close together. The other option in this case is plucking at the ends. A soundbox amplifies the sound aided by strategically perforated holes.
Individuals personalize their instruments through coloring without affecting sound production or quality. Experts in bowing can use two bows in order to achieve double stopping. The quality and pitch of produced sound depend on how tight a bow is, among other factors. The instrument produces beautiful acoustic sound.
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