Greece is recorded as the earliest community to own and use the psaltery. The original version was plucked using fingers as compared to the present day plucking using plectrums. Psalteries have evolved over the years with differences in designs depending on their society of origin. Notable variations were found in the medieval age and some communities in Europe which explains the differences in names and design specifics.
Communities in the bible are listed as having used the instrument to aid in pronunciation. It was useful in assisting loyalty and orators to get the right pronunciation especially when they encountered new words. Getting the right pitch gave words their meaning. This information is documented in the books of Chronicles, Samuel, Kings, Psalms and Daniel.
The common features that define a psaltery include the sound board. There are strings attached to the board at a defined angle to facilitate sound production. The quality of sound is highly dependent on how well these strings are tuned. It was used for different purposes in each community. The size also determines the quality of sound produced. These are some of the features that distinguish different instruments from one community to the other.
The medieval society had a central place for the psaltery. This was evident in their paintings and sculpture. They also were a common part of theatrical performances and manuscripts written in this era. They would be found in palaces and formed an integral part of entertainment for the king.
The designs that emerged in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries have become popular because of commercialization. They comprise of a triangular shape with bowed ends from where strings were attached. The popularity of this variation has overshadowed others that still exist in the enclaves of parent communities.
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.
The modern triangular design ensures that each string extends a few centimeters more than the previous. This has allowed the chromatic design to be enhanced as well as factor in the element of sharps and flats in music. The origin determines other intricate features of the design. The violin bow has been popularized by commercialization.
The approach adopted when playing the instrument depends on individual players. Different genres of music and styles of play require a unique approach. The size allows the psaltery to be held by hands when being played. Strumming with the fingers facilitates a different tone.
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.
The psaltery may be customized with different colors provided the quality of sound is maintained. Professionals play with two bows so that they can achieve double stopping. The tightness of the bow is likely to affect the pitch and quality of sound produced. This is an incredible acoustic addition to any music.
Communities in the bible are listed as having used the instrument to aid in pronunciation. It was useful in assisting loyalty and orators to get the right pronunciation especially when they encountered new words. Getting the right pitch gave words their meaning. This information is documented in the books of Chronicles, Samuel, Kings, Psalms and Daniel.
The common features that define a psaltery include the sound board. There are strings attached to the board at a defined angle to facilitate sound production. The quality of sound is highly dependent on how well these strings are tuned. It was used for different purposes in each community. The size also determines the quality of sound produced. These are some of the features that distinguish different instruments from one community to the other.
The medieval society had a central place for the psaltery. This was evident in their paintings and sculpture. They also were a common part of theatrical performances and manuscripts written in this era. They would be found in palaces and formed an integral part of entertainment for the king.
The designs that emerged in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries have become popular because of commercialization. They comprise of a triangular shape with bowed ends from where strings were attached. The popularity of this variation has overshadowed others that still exist in the enclaves of parent communities.
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.
The modern triangular design ensures that each string extends a few centimeters more than the previous. This has allowed the chromatic design to be enhanced as well as factor in the element of sharps and flats in music. The origin determines other intricate features of the design. The violin bow has been popularized by commercialization.
The approach adopted when playing the instrument depends on individual players. Different genres of music and styles of play require a unique approach. The size allows the psaltery to be held by hands when being played. Strumming with the fingers facilitates a different tone.
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.
The psaltery may be customized with different colors provided the quality of sound is maintained. Professionals play with two bows so that they can achieve double stopping. The tightness of the bow is likely to affect the pitch and quality of sound produced. This is an incredible acoustic addition to any music.
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