8/13/2013

General Information Related To Psalteries

By Andrea Davidson


Stringed musical instruments from the zither family may be known as psalteries. These instruments have existed for hundreds of years and date back to ancient times. Even still, there are modern versions that are still played today and widely available.

In Ancient Greece, psalteries that were used were much like harps. The word itself is taken from the Greek language. It is a mix of a noun meaning psaltery, stringed instrument or harp, and a verb that means to touch sharply, pluck, twitch or pull.

In the Christian times, a psaltery consisted of a soundboard that had several pre-tuned strings attached. These were usually plucked. It was also referred to as a canon, deriving from a Greek word that means principle or rule. Typically this instrument is small in size and easily portable. However, its range and shape are known to vary.

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 psaltery is available through numerous retailers and at varying costs. Usually the price is based on the psaltery model, manufacturer, seller and condition. People who want to own these pieces should search around to see what is available from businesses in their area. They can also browse the Internet for a wider selection. There are some businesses that allow their customers to rent the instruments. People who would like instruction on how to play may find resources online, in print, or get help from music teachers.

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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