I suspect a couple of things on this issue that go toward the nature of
strings as it relates to sound and playing position. The concept, nature
and tension of strings from an historical view point has been discussed here
many times and at length. The only absolute that we can derive from these
discussions is that we really don't know much for sure.
The iconography indicates a move in right hand position toward the bridge as
the Sixteenth Century progresses and more strings are added to the Lute.
It is not difficult to assume that as more strings are added that, of
necessity, they would, or should have to be of lesser tension else the
instrument would implode under the combined pressure of additional courses.
If this assumption is true then strings of lesser tension would have to be
played at a location nearer to the bridge in order to produce a pleasing
sound. I of course am no specialist and the preceding is but my theory.
But still it could come back to the nature of the original period strings
and our lack of knowledge of how they were made. We often make assumptions
based on our ability, or inability, to duplicate what we believe to be
factual. When in the end we are confronted with contradictions we are loath
to think our research is flawed.
Until that point when we know for sure the how's and why's of historical
practices we can only explore, examine, and try to apply them to the real
world of Lute playing we strive in. We should attempt to get the best sound
out of the instrument and strings we have beneath our fingers at the moment.
If playing near the bridge makes your instrument sound like someone dropping
nails into a large empty can then don't play near the bridge.
VW
----- Original Message -----
From: "howard posner" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: "lute-cs.dartmouth.edu List" <lute@cs.dartmouth.edu>
Sent: Sunday, September 28, 2008 10:52 AM
Subject: [LUTE] Re: Lute sound
On Sep 28, 2008, at 5:57 AM, Mathias Rösel wrote:
might argue that there _was_ kinda ideal sound. On my way through
the
museum of musical instruments in Vienna, I learned that in the 16th
century it was "Spaltklang".
The obvious question would be "who said that?"
The museum's iPod >8)
And how old is the iPod?
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