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.
At first, gut strings were stretched along a board and plucked with the fingers. Musicians wore them suspended from a neck strap or played them in their laps while seated. Later the soundboard was invented, which is basically a hollow box with or without holes for better tone. If the instrument was too large to be portable, it was laid on a table for performances. Metal strings replaced gut ones at about the same time as the soundboard was invented.
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.
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 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.
At first, gut strings were stretched along a board and plucked with the fingers. Musicians wore them suspended from a neck strap or played them in their laps while seated. Later the soundboard was invented, which is basically a hollow box with or without holes for better tone. If the instrument was too large to be portable, it was laid on a table for performances. Metal strings replaced gut ones at about the same time as the soundboard was invented.
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.
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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