[History of European musical instruments] Zither: Folk musical instruments

Zither is a folk instrument played mainly in German-speaking countries such as Austria, Germany and Switzerland. It is a stringed instrument, with 5 melody strings and 30 or more accompaniment strings stretched sideways, and the melody strings are played with metal nails on the thumb of the right hand. It is an instrument that has been used as a folk instrument in Europe and is used in traditional music. Zither-like instruments have been developed all over the world, and Qanun in the Middle East, Chinese koto, and Japanese koto are similar instruments of zither.

Fall Favorites Sale: Save 20% on MW08 Active Noise-Cancelling True Wireless Earphones and MH40 Wireless Headphones

Universal Music Store

Nome da ação: CDs, Boxes, Vinis, Camisetas da sua banda favorita com 70% off + frete grátis

Location

This instrument was born in Europe.

History of zither

Zither is said to be an instrument that originated in the Middle Ages. The word zither is said to be derived from the ancient Greek word kitty. It is said that the zither instrument was brought to Europe from the east during the war and came to the north through Italy, Sicily, and Spain, and was improved with the times. The oldest extant zither, marked 1675, was made in the Bricksen region of South Tyrol. The shape of the instrument is rectangular, with two strings for melody and two strings for accompaniment. If you look at the zither, which was made in 1763, you can see the progress in the string tension, with 3 melody strings, 12 accompaniment strings, and 15 frets on the fingerboard. It is said that it became the shape of the present zither in the 18th century, and musical instruments became known throughout Europe. At the end of the 19th century, the Zither Association was born in various parts of Europe and now extends to all parts of the world. The zither tone is similar to the harpsichord, so it is a popular instrument in classical music. When I go to a concert, I sometimes hear the tone of this instrument.

Zither features

Zither is a folk instrument played mainly in German-speaking countries such as Austria, Germany and Switzerland. On a flat sound box, the old one has two tune strings and two accompaniment strings, and the new one has four to five metal tune strings and 24-37 accompaniment strings. Play the melody string on a resonating wooden box with a metal nail on your right thumb, and play the accompaniment string with your remaining right finger. Qanun in the Middle East, koto in China, and koto in Japan are the same kind of instruments as this one, and they have influenced the world. The zither is an instrument that requires playing skills, and although it flourished in modern times, it is a little less popular in modern times. If you go to a place of worship in Germany or Switzerland, you can see how often this instrument is played.

Zither song

Zither is often used as an orchestra instrument.