Revisiting History of Origin of Some Popular Western Musical Instruments
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The document discusses the evolution of musical instruments, starting with the invention of the modern piano in the Renaissance by Bartolomeo Cristofori. It covers the development of electronic keyboards and synthesizers, the historical origins of bowed instruments like the violin, and the ancient discovery of flutes. Additionally, it explores the linguistic roots of the word 'guitar' and mentions early percussion instruments like drums.
Revisiting History of Origin of Some Popular Western Musical Instruments
- 4. It is the acronym for pianoforte and was invented on the technological innovation of the bygone age. Invention of the modern piano dates back to the Renaissance period, when Bartolomeo Cristofori (1655–1731) of Padua was employed by the famous Medici family of Italy as the Keeper of the musical instruments. He was expert in making harpsichord – the previous avatar of the piano. www.AMECIndia.com 4
- 6. An electronic or a digital keyboard is basically the same instrument referred to by various names. The first electric piano was manufactured by Wurlitzer Company, which was named as the 100. It was in the year 1955. Gradually, as technology progressed further, musical synthesizers became into existence in 1964, when Bob Moog introduced his Moog synthesizer. Thus, gigantic keyboards were suddenly replaced by easily portable instruments. Some of the earliest versions of digital keyboards were Opus 3, ARP Omni and Moog’s Polymoog, etc. Musical Instrumental Digital Interface (MIDI) was invented as a standard for digital code transmission, which has subscribed handsomely in evolution of the latest keyboard technology. www.AMECIndia.com 6
- 7. www.AMECIndia.com 7 The other name of this string instrument is Fiddle, which comes with a set of four strings tuned in perfect fifths. Bowed instruments are assumed to have originated in Central Asia, which gradually, spread across a vast region covering both Asia and Europe. As such, violin, viola and cello that are seen these days have bows, which are strung with horsehair. This is the legacy of the Central Asian nomadic horsemen. Interestingly, modern violin emerged in the Italian towns of Venice and Genoa in the early 16th century. Both the cities maintained strong ties with Central Asia through trade across the historic silk route.
- 8. An 18.7 cm long flute having three holes and made from mammoth task has been discovered in Ulm, southern Germany. Carbon dating confirms it is at least 30,000 to 37,000 years old! A decade back, two more flutes made of swan bone was excavated from the same region. These date back to 36,000 years ago. These are recorded as the oldest flutes that have been unearthed so far. In fact, scientists are of the opinion that flutes are the best tool to study the behavioral and cognitive differences that existed between Neanderthals and the contemporary human race! www.AMECIndia.com 8
- 9. Interestingly, the English word ‘guitar’ is identical to the German word ‘Gitarre’ and the French ‘Guitare’ are derived from the Spanish ‘Guitara.’ www.AMECIndia.com 9 English guitar French guitar Spanish guitar
- 10. The Spanish guitarra in turn comes from the Arabic ‘qitara.’ This is said to have originated from the Latin ‘kithara.’ Invention of the earliest guitar remains confined to the history of medieval Spain. However, two instruments, the European Lute and the four-stringed Oud are considered as its influential predecessors. It was the Moors who introduced the Oud to Iberia in the 8th century. www.AMECIndia.com 10
- 11. The Belgian instrument designer was also a flautist and a clarinetist. Prior to the invention, Sax worked in his father’s instrument shop Brussels. He already had made several improvements to the bass clarinet and invented Ophicleide – which is a large conical bras instrument in bass register with keys identical to woodwind instruments. These inventions helped conceiving the design of saxophone. www.AMECIndia.com 11
- 12. These are actually percussion instruments. Drums made of alligator skin have been unearthed in China that date back to Neolithic age, circa 5,500 to 2,350 BC. In traditional cultures, drums play a significant role and used in religious ceremonies. Drums are also used in music therapies – mostly hand drums. www.AMECIndia.com 12