Medieval music, what instrument do you like best?

[Lawkeeper]

Hello.

What medieval music instrument do you like best?
They had flutes, early versions of the guitar, and so on.

[leaf_of_lire]

Probably the violin ( I think they had them back then).

[smcginnis]

Probably the violin ( I think they had them back then).

Well, I know they had a rebec, which was similar. I think violins started showing up around the 16th century, but of course I'm not sure.

For myself, I don't know, since I've never actually heard any of them played. I've always liked bard's harps though.

~smcginnis

[wunztwice]

Lyres are pretty cool, and quite relaxing if played right, as with many of the early strung instruments.


However I would have to say probably my favorite instruments from the broader medeival era are the flute-types, particularly the bagpipe. There are tons of different stories as to the origins of the bagpipes, but there is a general agreement that they were around since close to the time of Jesus, and they often are considered to have originated in the middle-east, as cruder models.

However they begin to appear in Europe around the year 400, and suddenly gain popularity in artwork in the latter middle-ages. So, I think it is safe to say the pipes were around, in some form or another.

As to why I like them, I can't really say, I just always have!

[DARKspawn]

Yeah I'd have to agree bagpipes have a very eerie quality, I like them ...in small doses

The harp wins for me though, it's a gorgeous instrument

[Lawkeeper]

Yeah, the harp is my favourite too. It sounds very nice. BTW: There's one in the videogame Fable, when a bard sings (well, rhymes) about your heroic deeds. It's always nice to hear that.

[g2]

I like the trumpets. Especially when multiples were used - like in the movies.

[stuifzand]

A "schalmei", I have no idea what the english word for that intrument is.

Picture:

[JPinoy]

Taiko drums from Japan are my favorites.

[Crazylegoman]

Although annoying to many, my Scottish blood favors the bagpipes. A close second is the bodrán.

David

[The_Vanquished]

I can't believe no one mentioned the Harpsicord, it is my favorite instument from midieval times. If I had the money, I would definately buy one. I've played them before, too, not one from midieval times though. It was a little newer.

[The Shadow Knight]

Well, the organetto is my favorite medieval instrument. I like it because it is pretty much just a small organ. See for yourself: http://www.music.iastate.edu/antiqua/organeto.htm

But, I just wish Lego would make instruments. Even thought it would probably be tough to do.

[Stephen]

A "schalmei", I have no idea what the english word for that intrument is.

In english that's called a "shawm". It was supposedly invented in Bagdad. The website that The Shadow Knight mentions

http://www.music.iastate.edu/antiqua/instrumt.html

has sound files for schalmei and other medieval musical instruments.

Stephen

[Tower of Iron Will]

For me, its a hard choice. For some things it would be an organ like the one used in Bach's Tocatta fugue in D minor (classic Dracula music), but not sure if available in the time frame given. Lutes/recorders are great and harps as well.

Depending if voice is considered as an instrument - nothing sets the mood quite like quoir music, large or small groups.
-Tower

[Traveler]

I'm a huge fan of the hammered dulcimer, I own one and can (sort of) play it. That's my other hobby, besides LEGO, collecting acoustic folk instruments. It's often much more expensive than LEGO, unfortunately, so for now my collection is pretty small.