MI: LIBRARY: INSTRUMENTS: STRINGS: LUTE

History
The lute is an instrument with a deep history. It is most commonly known for its medieval form, but is much older. The ancestor of the lute is the ’ud, an Arabic instrument.  The European lute first appeared in the 1200’s. It evolved from the ’ud which had been known in Persia since the 6th century! The ’ud had been born in Central Asia a century or two earlier.

Description
The lute is a wooden instrument which has a very “medieval” sound and that is rightly so because it was a very popular medieval instrument. It is said to have even once been as reknown a solo instrument as the piano today! It’s silvery sound was, during the 16th and 17th centuries, one of the most important instruments in European music.

Lute Variations
Banjo: This common lute variation is said to have been created by slaves. They took a drum, put a stick in it, and added strings. Or so the theory  says. Nonetheless, it is a popular instrument in such styles as bluegrass, and ragtime.

Ukulele: This popular little guitar was the subject of a craze in the 30’s, 40’s, and 50’s. Today, while less popular, it is still a “cute” little instrument with a very “exotic” sound. Its name means “bouncing flea” and nit’s “flimsy” sound can account for that. 

’ud: The ’ud is the ancestor of the lute and the most important instrument in the Arab world. It is commonly used to play Middle Eastern music. 

Mandolin: The mandolin is very “lute-like”. It’s four strings are tuned like a violin and the popular instrument was even used in one of Mozart’s operas. 

Bouzouki: This Greek instrument has a very beautiful “ringing” sound which is produced by using a plectrum. It was once associated with criminals and this led to the persecution of some musicians! 

Chitarrone: This instrument is very unique to observe being played. The wooden instrument from Italy is played with its neck in the air! 

Charango: This small guitar/ukulele type instrument is commonly found in Latin American folk music. It is made of wood or armadillo shells. 

Pipa: Like many Chinese instruments, the pipa is very beautiful in its sound and appearance. Its name is interesting as well! “Pi” means to play foward, “pa” means to backword, so the result is what we call “strummed”! 

Yueqin: The yueqin is a very pretty instrument with a circular body. It comes from China and has a rattling sound. The yueqin’s name means “moon lute”, hence the shape! 

Shamisen: Shamisens are Japanese instruments which play much of their folk music. They have three strings and their name means “three tasteful strings”. 

Comments

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Comments

This website sucks really bad!! It doesnt give any info about the harp!

Comments

can you please include how the instrument (lute) is played! thank you!

Comments

can you please include how the instrument (lute) is played! thank you!