Where did the cittern come from?
cistro, cedra, cítola) is a stringed instrument dating from the Renaissance. Modern scholars debate its exact history, but it is generally accepted that it is descended from the Medieval citole (or cytole). Its flat-back design was simpler and cheaper to construct than the lute.
What kind of instrument is a cittern?
plucked stringed musical instrument
cittern, plucked stringed musical instrument that was popular in the 16th–18th century. It had a shallow, pear-shaped body with an asymmetrical neck that was thicker under the treble strings.
Who invented the cittern?
Cittern mid to late 18th century watch-key mechanism, invented by James N. Preston in about 1760. The keyboard mechanism with six keys, enabling hammers to strike the strings, was attached to the instrument somewhat later.
What family does the cittern belong to?
lute family
The cittern, belonging to the lute family, is likewise a “composite cordophone” (Hornbostel-Sachs, see Lute). The string bearer (neck) and the resonator (soundboard) form an organic unity; the sound is produced by plucking the strings, in this case usually with a plectrum.
What does the word cittern mean?
Definition of cittern : a Renaissance stringed instrument like a guitar with a flat pear-shaped body.
Is a cornet a woodwind instrument?
The cornet (/ˈkɔːrnɪt/, US: /kɔːrˈnɛt/) is a brass instrument similar to the trumpet but distinguished from it by its conical bore, more compact shape, and mellower tone quality.
Is harpsichord A Baroque?
The harpsichord was widely used in Renaissance and Baroque music, both as an accompaniment instrument and as a soloing instrument. During the Baroque era, the harpsichord was a standard part of the continuo group. The basso continuo part acted as the foundation for many musical pieces in this era.
How were instruments made in the Baroque period?
During the baroque period, string instruments would use gut strings (which were often made of animals intestines), rather than the synthetic ones used on modern instruments found today.