Tudor Musical Instruments A quick guide Recorders Recorders

Recorders �Recorders were popular and played by many people Recorders come in a wide

Recorders �Some recorders are quite large and give deep, bass, notes.

Bagpipes He thinks it’s one big joke! The codpiece is not essential for playing

Violin �Very similar to the modern instrument, four strings played with a bow.

Viol There are many different sizes of viol – a whole family The viols

Virginal An expensive instrument which was played by those with wealth. It was difficult

Harpsichord �The harpsichord was an even more expensive instrument then the virginal. Only the

Lute �The lute is popularly considered to be a forerunner of the guitar. It

Girl with lute circa 1550 Artist unknown but thought to be Italian. This painting

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Tudor Musical Instruments A quick guide

Recorders �Recorders were popular and played by many people Recorders come in a wide range of sizes. In the right hands it is a very versatile instrument

Recorders �Some recorders are quite large and give deep, bass, notes.

Bagpipes He thinks it’s one big joke! The codpiece is not essential for playing the bagpipes. It just distracts from the noise! She’s so embarrassed she doesn’t know where to look!

Violin �Very similar to the modern instrument, four strings played with a bow.

Viol There are many different sizes of viol – a whole family The viols became extinct in the 1700’s There is no spike for the floor like a ‘cello – it is supported between the players knees Viols have six strings A group of viols playing together is known as a “consort”.

Virginal An expensive instrument which was played by those with wealth. It was difficult to tune and required regular tuning. Like the harpsichord it was not portable and not an instrument for playing outdoors.

Harpsichord �The harpsichord was an even more expensive instrument then the virginal. Only the very wealthy could afford one. It was much more versatile than the virginal.

Lute

Lute �The lute is popularly considered to be a forerunner of the guitar. It sounds quite like a guitar and is plucked by the fingers but, in many ways they are different instruments. �A basic lute has six “courses” or pairs of strings. A beginner would start on a six course lute. �The lute in the previous slide has seven courses. �More advanced lutes have eight, nine, or ten courses. �Most of John Dowland’s music is played on eight or nine course lutes. �Lutes have a short neck and fingerboard so that more strings are needed to give a wide, dynamic, range of notes.

Girl with lute circa 1550 Artist unknown but thought to be Italian. This painting has been widely copied and there are several variations of clothing to suit the fashion of the day. At least one version shows “slashed” sleeves.

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