The Gittern, a plucked string instrument, was developed in the 13th century.
This makes it a medieval instrument with a rich history, known for its small size and lute-like shape.
Origins and Early Development
The Gittern emerged during the 13th century, solidifying its place as a significant musical instrument throughout the medieval period. Its development marks an important chapter in the evolution of plucked string instruments that eventually led to the modern guitar.
Characteristics of the Gittern
The Gittern is classified as a string instrument that is plucked. More specifically, under the Hornbostel–Sachs classification system, it falls into the category of 321.322, identifying it as a necked box lute (Chordophone).
Key features and examples include:
- Classification: A plucked string instrument.
- Hornbostel–Sachs Classification: 321.322 (necked box lute) (Chordophone).
- Historical Examples: A notable example is a five-course Gittern, sometimes referred to as a "Quintern," which was dated to 1450 and crafted by the luthier Hans Oth. This demonstrates the instrument's continued use and evolution into the 15th century.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Classification | String instrument (plucked) |
| Hornbostel–Sachs Category | 321.322 (necked box lute) (Chordophone) |
| Period of Development | 13th century |
| Example Instrument | Five-course Gittern ("Quintern") dated 1450 by Hans Oth |
Related Instruments
The Gittern belongs to a family of string instruments that share similar characteristics and likely influenced each other's development. While specific related instruments are not detailed, its design points to connections with other lutes and early guitar-like instruments.
For more information, you can explore the Gittern on Wikipedia.
