Thursday 8 August 2013

General Information Related To Psalteries

By Andrea Davidson


Psalteries is the term used to describe stringed instruments that are part of the zither family. These have been around for centuries, dating way back to ancient times. However, there are modern versions still widely used today.

The psalteries that were in Ancient Greece were similar to the harp instrument. This terminology, psaltery, is taken from the language of the Greek. It is a combination of a word that means harp, psaltery or stringed instrument, and a verb that is defined as to pull, touch sharply, twitch or pluck.

During the Christian period, these featured a soundboard. Several pre-tuned strings were attached to this soundboard and were plucked to play. It was also referred to as a canon, which is also derived from the Greek language and a word that means principle or rule. Usually the instrument is portable because of its small size. Still, it is available in a variety of ranges and shapes.

From the twelfth century on into the fifteenth century, these instruments were depicted in paintings, manuscripts and sculptures all around the region of Europe. The instruments themselves are known to differ in number of strings, as well as shape. In the nineteenth century, zithers became more common. Specifically, the guitar zither and the autoharp were being used more frequently. A century later, bowed psalteries were being used. These structures were designed with a format like a triangle so the end half of strings could be bowed.

A bowed psaltery is a kind of zither instrument that is played with a bow. This is different than old plucked models and is largely considered an invention of the twentieth century. There is a ukelin-type units, conventional bowed psalteries and violin zithers that may be used. The performance style done with this will vary and is often relative to the instrument used and the person playing.

Another version is the Baltic psaltery. This refers to a family of related box-zither instruments. Generally, these are found and used in the area of the Baltic Sea. The units that may fall under this classification include: Kusle, Kankles, Kokle, Kantele, Harpu and Kannel.

The instruments are available through many different retailers in the modern day. Their prices are expected to range. Generally the cost is relative to the condition of the piece, the type of psaltery, manufacturer and of course, the seller. Individuals interested in owning one of these should check the instrument sellers in their area or check online. There are some places that will allow musicians to rent these pieces. Furthermore, those who would like instruction on how to play these may find resources online or a music teacher available in their area who knows how to play the instrument.

Psalteries are not as popular as they were in ancient times, but these stringed instruments are still widely available in the modern world. They come in different varieties. These instruments have been used for hundreds of years and have undergone some changes in that time. There are retailers that offer these for rent or sale, and there are many resources available to those who want to learn how to play the instruments. Some music teachers may even offer lessons.




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