The Beautiful Melodies Of Psalteries

By Ina Hunt


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 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 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 is also referred to as the zither. It requires a bow to play and is a slight modification of original design. The strings are arranged in chords to allow a player to actualize any melody. The other hand strums the strings in order to accompany the bowing effect.

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.

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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