Bodhran Drum

A Look At Medieval Instruments Music and Hymn

Music is the language of the soul. Music has been part of our lives, as well as we have been part of music. Even through the Stone Age when the prehistoric people did not have the complex instruments with them, they were still able to develop the music that bonded them together. As centuries go by, music has been utilized for several purposes. There have been music for conflict, music for victory, and music for defeat, among others. Among these periodical music, Medieval music is a point of interest, where Medieval instruments are the major topic.

Medieval music is written in the course of the Middle Ages in Europe. If we review our history, the start of the dark ages was the fall of the Roman Empire and ends in the early 15th century, approximately. Gregorian Chant is considered as the most predominant type of earlier medieval period music. It is of a liturgical genre. Most people believe that medieval songs are mainly spiritual, such as the melodic Gregorian chant. But there were also songs and hymns composed out of the church's influence. More than the music itself, Medieval period is recognized for the instruments that are still being used today. Among these instruments feature lute, viol, rebec, hand drum, bagpipes, and organetto, to name a few.

Considered to be the among one of the most well-regarded Medieval instruments throughout the Medieval Era, lute is contained in all the possible materials, accents, and accessories, such as tapestries, and wall hangings. According to records, the first lutes were made of wood, bone, ivory, and exotic woods. As a stringed instrument that is resembling the guitar, lute is plucked using what they call a "plectrum" or using fingers.

Another medieval music instrument is the Viol, an instrument that is played using a bow. The Viol is usually held on the lap, or placed between the legs. This musical instrument is said to be similar to a modern day cello.

One more bowed instrument that is similar to a diminutive violin is the Rebec. It is said that possibly, this instrument is produced to ape the voice. Historians say that it was played by the commoners coming from the modern day Western Asia.

We also should not forget to include the Northern Europeans' hand drum, which was played by Irish and the Scots. The Irish and Scots also have bagpipes, used predominantly for battles, but are used also in their quotidian living. Modern bagpipes present these days, nevertheless, have more pieces to it. The pieces that will be included in the bagpipes differ depending on which country it originated from. Another prevalent instrument of the 13th thru 16th century is the organetto, which is said to be similar to a modern-day organ when it comes to sound. It is also said that most likely, it is the inspiration for the accordion.

There are still a lot more to the list. The above mentioned are only few of them. These instruments have different roles and functions in the period that they are predominant. Modern versions of these Medieval instruments music are available and are ready to use. But what is the main purpose of knowing them? At times it is also important to learn our past in order to know more our future.

About the Author

If you want to listen and feel the beat of ethnic musical instruments, you should try Medieval instruments. It has a distinct sound that creates music to hear. Or you may want to try bodhran.

Bodhran Drum

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