The psaltery has its origin in ancient Greece as a sharp-like instrument. It was originally played using fingers instead of plucking with plectrums. Psalteries vary slightly from one place of origin to the other. Some can be traced back to Europe while others were used in the medieval age. In these regions, there are slight variations in design and name.
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.
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, 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.
Modern designs have their strings close together in a way that hinders strumming. Such closeness makes individual plucking a bit of a challenge unless the player decides to do it at the ends. Sound is amplified by the sound box which has strategically perforated holes for this purpose.
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 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.
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, 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.
Modern designs have their strings close together in a way that hinders strumming. Such closeness makes individual plucking a bit of a challenge unless the player decides to do it at the ends. Sound is amplified by the sound box which has strategically perforated holes for this purpose.
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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