Fast facts about medieval instruments

Music is believed to be as old as the times. Throughout the ages, music has been a part of people’s lives. Think of it centuries ago. Music was already ubiquitous and one of the means our old people used to interact with others when our ancestors were still nurturing culture. For centuries, music has been used for many purposes. Among other things were music for conflict, music for conquest, and music for downfall. Of these periodicals, medieval music is an interesting point, with medieval instrumental music and hymns being the main topics.

Medieval music was born in Europe from the 5th to the 15th centuries. Looking back on our history, the beginning of the Dark Ages is the collapse of the Roman Empire, which ends around the beginning of the 15th century. Gregorian chant is considered the most predominant type of early medieval music. It’s a liturgical genre. There are other types of medieval music that have nothing to do with the church and have a more complex sonic composition compared to the traditional monophonic style of Gregorian chant. The Middle Ages is known not only for music itself, but also for musical instruments that are still in use today. Among these instruments are lutes, violas, rebecs, hand drums, bagpipes and organets.

Considered one of the most respected medieval instruments throughout the Middle Ages, the lute is included in all possible materials, accents and accompaniment, including tapestries and wall hangings. Records show that the first lute was made of wood, bone, ivory, and exotic wood. As a guitar-like stringed instrument, the lute is played with what they call a “pick” or with the fingers.

Another medieval instrument is the Viol, an instrument played with a bow. Viols are usually held on the lap or placed between the legs. This instrument is said to resemble a modern cello.

Another small violin-like bowed string instrument is the Rebec. This is notorious for its sound, which almost resembles the human voice. According to the chronicles, Rebec came from Central Asia and was an underclass instrument.

An example of a versatile medieval instrument is the hand drum used by Irish and Scottish people. Irish and Scottish also have bagpipes, which are mainly used in combat, but also in their Quartey’s life. Nonetheless, the modern bagpipes that exist today have more parts. Nevertheless, if you can see the changes, it depends on where they came from or the region. Another popular instrument from the 13th to 16th centuries is the organet. It is said to resemble a modern organ in terms of sound. It’s also probably the inspiration for the accordion.

There are still more musical instruments in the Middle Ages. The above are just a few of them. These instruments have many roles and functions during the period in which they dominate. The latest versions of these medieval instrumental music are available and ready to use. It is also a good idea for us modern people to learn the history of musical instruments and compare their current and past functions.