The bourdon can be played with the bow or plucked with the left-hand thumb.įor more on playing the vielle we recommend our publication by Clare Salaman - Introducing. In terms of playing the vielle it is an universal assumption that it is only played in first position (the left hand doesn't have to shift up the fingerboard). do you like a jump in the past with these. This is supported by the Renaissance theorist Johannes Tinctoris who gives the tuning as "unevenly in fifths and unisons". 6 medieval songs from the middle ages flutes bagpipes luth hurdy gurdy with pro musicians who play medieval music. Therefore we should concentrate on the intervals for these tunings, and keep those, rather than focussing on the notes. He gives three different tunings:ĭue to the notation of medieval music (the whole gamut was only two and a half octaves) he used the lowest note 'ut' (G) as the bottom or lowest note.ĭuring the medieval period there was no set pitch. Jerome of Moravia's Tractatus de Musica is the only existing medieval source on the vielle's tuning that has been found. variety of sizes and shapes, though usually oblong.5th string (lowest string) was usually a bourdon.4 or 5 strings, though more or less were possible.However, due to size and features there is some doubt among musicologists as to whether these were vielles, rebecs or something else!įrom contemporaneous sources, writings and iconography, so know the vielle had the following features: There are only 3 surviving vielles from the medieval period: one dated from the 14th century that was excavated in Poland and two found during the excavation of the Mary Rose. On paper its an unlikely mix of coffee grinder and collapsed lung, but in the right hands it becomes a purveyor of epic, cinematic sounds. It is particularly suited to the accompaniment of song, but was no doubt used to play dance music as well. This source gives instruction for both secular and religious playing. This usage is supported by iconography that depicts both humans and angels playing the instrument.Īs one of the most popular instruments it is associated with amateur and professional players, and was also a courtly instrument. One medieval source, Tractatus de Musica written by Jerome of Moravia around 1280-1300, describes the vielle as more important than the rebec. This is clear from the huge amounts of iconography that exists from the time, including a wealth of paintings and frescos.Ĭarving of an angel playing a vielle in Lincoln cathedral. Category: Fine Arts Music Society / Culture Social Science more. The vielle, or medieval fiddle, was one of the most popular instruments during the medieval period. Length: 03:03 Added: 5 years ago 508 Views.
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