Kithara
Kithara
In today's society, what is commonly known as the
Zither, ancient Greeks also used this stringed instrument.
To the ancient Greeks, the Zither was known as a
Kithara (or Cithara). As shown on the photo to the right,
the Kithara consisted of five strings (all of which were the
same length), which would be plucked by the player. As
the instrument developed, as many as six more strings were added to the original five.
When translated, 'Kithara' is defined as a cavity with strings. Ancient Greek
historian Plutarch claims that the first kithara was made by Cepion, who was a
student of Terpander.
Zither, ancient Greeks also used this stringed instrument.
To the ancient Greeks, the Zither was known as a
Kithara (or Cithara). As shown on the photo to the right,
the Kithara consisted of five strings (all of which were the
same length), which would be plucked by the player. As
the instrument developed, as many as six more strings were added to the original five.
When translated, 'Kithara' is defined as a cavity with strings. Ancient Greek
historian Plutarch claims that the first kithara was made by Cepion, who was a
student of Terpander.
Aulos
Ancient Greek Aulos
This double reeded instrument created a sound that is easily
comparable to Western music's Oboe. The aulos was a ridiculously
difficult instrument to master and play, player's would have to strap
pieces of leather onto their cheeks so they would not burst while
playing. As this instrument evolved, there became two different
versions of it; the Pythian Aulos, Pythic nomoi, Phrygian, Paeans, and
Choric Aulos.
comparable to Western music's Oboe. The aulos was a ridiculously
difficult instrument to master and play, player's would have to strap
pieces of leather onto their cheeks so they would not burst while
playing. As this instrument evolved, there became two different
versions of it; the Pythian Aulos, Pythic nomoi, Phrygian, Paeans, and
Choric Aulos.
Barbitos
Barbitos
A Barbitos is a stringed instrument which significantly resembles
a Lyra, however consists of a more narrow sound box and longer
arms. Students of the School of Lesbos are repeatedly found in
vases playing the Barbitos.
a Lyra, however consists of a more narrow sound box and longer
arms. Students of the School of Lesbos are repeatedly found in
vases playing the Barbitos.
Lyra
The Lyra, originally named Chelys, was (in Greek
mythical belief) invented by the god Hermes. Hermes
gave the Lyra to the greek hero Orpheus, who then
taught Thamyris and Linos, and Linos passed this skill
onto Hercules. According to Greek myths, when Orpheus
was killed his Lyra fell into the sea, and washed onto
Egyptian shores, which of course the Egyptians adopted
as one of their own instruments.
It is unknown as to how many strings the original Lyra (or Lyre) had, however we
know that by the time of Terpander (seventh of eighth century B.C.), there was seven
strings on this instrument. By the time of fifth century B.C. there were a total of nine
or twelve strings.