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🎻intro to humanities review

Psaltery

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025

Definition

A psaltery is a stringed musical instrument that has a flat, often trapezoidal shape, played by plucking the strings with fingers or a plectrum. This instrument was prominent during ancient and medieval times, providing a rich and resonant sound that accompanied vocal music and other instruments in various cultural contexts.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. The psaltery dates back to ancient times and was used across various cultures, including in ancient Greece, Rome, and throughout Europe during the Middle Ages.
  2. Psalteries can have different shapes and sizes, but they are generally characterized by their multiple strings stretched over a wooden frame.
  3. The instrument was commonly used in religious settings as well as in secular music, often accompanying singing or other instruments.
  4. There are different playing techniques for the psaltery, including finger plucking or using a plectrum, allowing for variations in sound and style.
  5. In the medieval period, the psaltery played a significant role in courtly music, often featured in performances at banquets and royal events.

Review Questions

  • How does the psaltery differ from other stringed instruments like the harp and lute in terms of structure and playing technique?
    • The psaltery differs from the harp and lute primarily in its flat, trapezoidal shape and the way it is played. While harps are typically larger with an arched frame that requires players to pluck with both hands across multiple rows of strings, psalteries are played flat on a surface or held on the lap. In contrast to lutes that have a rounded body and a fretted neck for finger placement, psalteries use an open tuning system that allows players to pluck strings directly without needing to press down on them.
  • Discuss the cultural significance of the psaltery in medieval music and how it contributed to both sacred and secular traditions.
    • The psaltery held significant cultural value in medieval music as it bridged both sacred and secular traditions. In religious contexts, it was often used in church services to accompany hymns and chants, enriching the worship experience with its melodic tones. Meanwhile, in secular settings, such as courts and festivities, it provided entertainment at banquets and gatherings, supporting singers and dancers. This dual role helped popularize the instrument across diverse social settings, making it a staple of medieval musical life.
  • Evaluate the impact of the psaltery on the evolution of stringed instruments throughout history and its relevance today.
    • The psaltery significantly impacted the development of stringed instruments by influencing designs that followed, including variations like the dulcimer. Its unique structure laid foundational concepts for later instruments, leading to innovations in stringed instrument crafting. Today, while not as common as in earlier periods, the psaltery continues to be appreciated for its historical significance and distinctive sound, often used in folk music revival movements and contemporary performances that seek to connect modern audiences with traditional musical heritage.