csfa14,+Instruments+of+the+Renaissance

__Instruments of the Renaissance __ Many different instruments originated during the Renaissance period (many of which are still played today). Other instruments that originated during that time were variations of or improved versions of already existing instruments. The most popular of these instruments can be classified into four main groups: brass, percussion, strings, and woodwind.

__**Brass**__ Derived from early straight trumpets, the __slide trumpet__, which is similar to the modern-day trombone, was a popular instrument used during the Renaissance period. The only difference the two instruments had (slide trumpet and trombone), was the fact that on a slide trumpet, instead of a section of the body sliding (like on a trombone), only a small part of the body near the mouthpiece would slide, while the mouthpiece itself was stationary. This feature gave the instrument the ability to change it's length while being played. The slide trumpet was suitable for slow dance music (which it was most commonly used for). To see a slide trumpet being played in a band, click on the following link: [].  __Cornetts__ were similar to both the recorder and the trumpet, being played like a recorder and blown like a trumpet. They were all made of wood and covered with leather, but came in different sizes (the largest size being called "the serpent"). It was said that cornetts were the closest sounding instrument to the human voice, with the ability to use dynamics and expression. Their name was derived from the Italian word that meant "little horn", although many people thought of cornetts as the "perfect instrument", due to their dynamic ability. To see what a cornett sounded like (accompanied by a pianist), go to the following link: [].  The modern-day instrument, the __trumpet__, was also used during the Renaissance, although it was a bit different during that time. There were many different kinds of trumpets, including a version where a piece could be placed over the mouthpiece of the trumpet to stop air, and earlier trumpets that had no valves. Trumpets were used for playing and pitches, but were most commonly used in the military and for the announcement of royalty. To hear a musician playing an early trumpet, visit the following site: [].  The __sackbut__, which is another name for the modern-day trombone, was a fairly common instrument used during the Renaissance. Although it was very similar to the trombone in both appearance and sound quality, it was different in the fact that it had thicker walls than the modern-day trombone, having a softer tone, and a narrower bell. Sackbuts were especially popular towards the end of the fifteenth century when they replaced the slide trumpet, which was also very similar to the trombone. Sackbuts were most popular for being used in church music. For a video of four sackbuts being played (two altos, one tenor, and one bass), go to the following site: [].  The __tambourine__, is still around today, even though it's changed a lot since that time. Back then, the tambourine was only a frame drum without jingles attached to its side. During the medieval crusades, in which it acquired jingles, the instrument began to change and took on the name "timbrel". Tambourines were usually made with a single skin, as it made it easier for a dancer to play. The skin that surrounded the frame was called a "vellum", and would usually produce the beat by being struck on the surface by the fingertips, hand, or knuckle. Another way to play the instrument was to shake it, although striking was a more common way of playing. To see an exceptionally good tambourine-player, click on the following link: [].  The j__ew's harp__​, best known for their use by men who were sereneding their sweethearts, was an instrument that represented the more romantic elements of the Renaissance period. It even got banned (numerous times) for its "endangerment on female virtue". The Jew's harp had many names. Some examples include: England- Gewgaw Germany- Maultrommel Japan- Koukin Philippines- Kumbing and Kubing Russia- Vargan Siberia- Khomus To hear the //Super Mario Brothers// theme song played on a jew's harp, go to the following link: [].  __**Strings**__ __Viols__ were developed in the 1400s and are the predecessors of the modern-day violin, viola, and violoncello (cello). With flat backs and fretted fingerboards, the viols usually had six strings. They were played up to the 1700s, then their role was taken by modern-day violins. To hear what viols sounded like, visit this link: [].  The __lyre__ was a stringed instrument of the harp class. It was very similar to the harp, but instead of being plucked, it was strummed with a plectrum. The amount of strings it had (four, seven, or even ten) depended on the era. Generally, it was played with the right hand, while the left hand silenced unwanted notes. But in later years, the lyre was developed so one could play it with a bow. Lyres were used especially by the Ancient Greeks, and were usually used to accompany songs and recitation.  During the Renaissance, the most popular instrument in Ireland and Scotland was the __irish harp__. Because of its significance in Irish history, the irish harp was (and still is) the national symbol of Ireland. Irish harps have always had a large range in size. Some can be placed in one's lap while others are so big they need to be placed on the floor. To hear an irish harp, go to the following site, [].  The __hurdy gurdy__ (also known as the "wheel fiddle") is a stringed instrument in which the strings are played by turning a rosined wheel, rather than using a bow. The player's right hand is what turns the wheel, while his/her left hand plays the tune (using the keys in the keybox). Many people think that the hurdy gurdy is a woodwind instrument because of its airy sound. Many think that the hurdy gurdy sounds more like a bagpipe rather than a stringed instrument. To see a musician playing the hurdy gurdy, click on the following link: [].  During the Renaissance period, the __shawm__ was the most popular double reed instrument. It was a foot-long, keyless instrument that had seven finger holes and one thumb hole. The shawm's pipes were usually made of wood and many of them had elaborate carvings and decorations on them. It was often used with drums and trumpets, mainly becuase of its loud, piercing sound. To play a shawm, one must put the entire reed in his/her mouth and blow into the pipe (while breathing through their nose). To hear a shawm, go to the following link: [].  The __reed pipe__ was made from a short length of cane. They had a mouthpiece, four or five fingerholes, and a vibrating reed. The reed pipe is the predecessor of the modern-day saxaphone and clarinet.  __Bagpipes__ were commonly-used instruments during the Renaissance period. A set of bagpipes usually included a supply of air, a chanter, and a drone (although, after the 1400s, many people had more than one drone for their bagpipe). The instrument was mentioned in the Bible, and historians believe it originated in Sumaria. For a video on a bagpipe player, go to the following site: [].
 * __Percussion__**
 * __Woodwind__**

__**<span style="color: #8500ff; display: block; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; text-align: center;">Resources **__ <span style="color: #8500ff; display: block; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; msoansilanguage: EN;">Oxford Journals (Peter Downey), //The Renaissance Slide Trumpets//, 01-16-10, [] Picture of Slide Trumpet, 01-18-10, [] //The Renaissance Cornetto//, 01-18-10, [] Picture of Cornett, 01-18-10, [] <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Essortment, //A History of the Trumpet//, 01-19-10, [] Picture of Trumpet, 01-19-10, [] Encyclopedia Britannica, //Sackbut//, 01-19-10, [] Picture of Sackbut, 01-19-10, [] Harms Historical Percussion, //Tambourines//, 01-19-10, [] Picture of Tambourine, 01-19-10, [] The Jew's Harp Guild, //History of the Jew's Harp//, 01-19-10, [] Picture of Jew's harp, 01-19-10, [] //The Viol//, 01-19-10, [] Picture of Viol, 01-19-10, [] Merriam-Webster Online, //Lyre//, 01-19-10, [] Picture of Lyre, 01-19-10, []Chiff.com, //The Irish Harp//, 01-19-10, __[]__ Picture of Irish Harp, 01-19-10, [] Olympic Musical Instruments, //Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)//, 01-19-10, [] //The Renaissance Shawm//, 01-19-10, [] Picture of Shawm, 01-19-10, [] The Free Dictionary, //Reed Pipe//, 01-19-10, [] Picture of Reed Pipe, 01-19-10, [] //The Bagpipe//, 01-19-10, [] Picture of Bagpipes, 01-19-10, []