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.
Many different versions of this lap harp are found in European medieval paintings, illustrations in manuscripts, and sculpture. The Renaissance saw the rise of sophisticated music and instruments like the harpsichord, and the psaltery went out of fashion.
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 ones for sale today are the bowed type. A new one will come with instructions. Play is learned by following the numbers on beginner models; the tune can be adjusted by ear as proficiency increases. Supposedly a person with a musical background can learn to play in a matter of minutes, while even the musically challenged can 'master' the instrument in a few hours. Of course, as with any craft, practice makes perfect.
The bowed psaltery is triangular, with multiple strings that cross the soundboard at an angle. Play is along the side of the instrument. Like the white and black keys of a piano, there are 'normal' notes and 'sharps' and 'flats', with even the spaces between pegs having significance. This might sound complicated, but the claim is that this is the easiest way of all to make music. Bows are 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.
Psalteries are examples of living history, testifying to mankind's long desire to make music. Prices range from under a hundred dollars for a learner's model to several hundreds, depending on the source and the quality of the instrument. It's enticing to think that the whole family can learn to play by numbers and give their music a personal touch as their 'ear' develops. For a combined history and music lesson, think about one of these harps with a long heritage.
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.
Many different versions of this lap harp are found in European medieval paintings, illustrations in manuscripts, and sculpture. The Renaissance saw the rise of sophisticated music and instruments like the harpsichord, and the psaltery went out of fashion.
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 ones for sale today are the bowed type. A new one will come with instructions. Play is learned by following the numbers on beginner models; the tune can be adjusted by ear as proficiency increases. Supposedly a person with a musical background can learn to play in a matter of minutes, while even the musically challenged can 'master' the instrument in a few hours. Of course, as with any craft, practice makes perfect.
The bowed psaltery is triangular, with multiple strings that cross the soundboard at an angle. Play is along the side of the instrument. Like the white and black keys of a piano, there are 'normal' notes and 'sharps' and 'flats', with even the spaces between pegs having significance. This might sound complicated, but the claim is that this is the easiest way of all to make music. Bows are 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.
Psalteries are examples of living history, testifying to mankind's long desire to make music. Prices range from under a hundred dollars for a learner's model to several hundreds, depending on the source and the quality of the instrument. It's enticing to think that the whole family can learn to play by numbers and give their music a personal touch as their 'ear' develops. For a combined history and music lesson, think about one of these harps with a long heritage.
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