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Gittern Instrument Summary
The Gittern is a historical string instrument from the Middle Ages, often considered a precursor to modern lutes and guitars. It was a small, pear-shaped instrument made from a single piece of wood and had a bright, clear sound. Played with either the fingers or a plectrum, the gittern was a popular instrument in medieval Europe, often used in courtly music and folk traditions. Its simple construction and portability made it accessible for both professional musicians and amateurs.
Detailed Instrument Description
| Instrument Name | Gittern |
| Instrument Family | String |
| Alternative Names | The gittern is also known as “gyterne”, “guiterne” or “giterne” in some historical texts. It is sometimes referred to as a medieval lute or guitar due to its similarities with both instruments. |
| Geographical Presence | The gittern was widely played in medieval Europe, particularly in France, Italy, and England. It was used in courtly settings, folk music, and even religious ceremonies. Although it is no longer commonly played, the gittern has been revived by early music ensembles and historical reenactment groups. |
| Instrument Classification | The gittern falls under the Hornbostel-Sachs classification system as 321.321, identifying it as a plucked lute chordophone. |
| Unique Features | The gittern is characterized by its small, pear-shaped body, which was typically carved from a single piece of wood. It had a flat back and a rounded front, with a simple wooden soundboard. The strings were made of gut, and the instrument usually had three or four courses (pairs of strings), each tuned in unison or octaves. The gittern’s small size and lightweight design made it easily portable, and it was often elaborately decorated with carvings or inlays, reflecting its use in both courtly and folk music. |
| Sound Characteristics | The gittern produces a bright, clear sound, with a light resonance that makes it well-suited for both solo performances and ensemble playing. Its small body gives it a higher pitch than larger lutes, and its sound is often described as crisp and lively. The paired strings create a fuller, richer tone compared to single-string instruments, and it is capable of producing both rhythmic accompaniment and melodic lines. |
| Typical Music Genres | The gittern was used primarily in medieval court music and folk traditions. It was commonly played in dances, songs, and instrumental music of the time. It was also used in religious settings, particularly for accompanying hymns and devotional songs. In modern times, it is featured in early music ensembles that focus on the performance of medieval and Renaissance music. |
| Components | Body, Neck, Fingerboard, Strings, Tuning Pegs, Bridge |
| Construction | The gittern was typically carved from a single piece of wood, usually from a hardwood like maple or cherry. The body was hollowed out, with a flat back and a rounded front. The neck was attached to the body, and the fingerboard had no frets or sometimes only partial frets. The instrument had three or four courses of gut strings, and the tuning pegs were located at the top of the neck. The soundboard was simple, with small sound holes or decorative rosettes. |
| Size and Weight | The gittern was a small and lightweight instrument, typically measuring between 40 and 60 centimeters (16 to 24 inches) in length. Its weight was relatively light, often between 0.5 and 1 kilogram (1.1 to 2.2 pounds), depending on the materials used. |
| Variations and Customizations | Variations of the gittern include differences in the number of strings, body shape, and decoration. Some instruments had three courses of strings, while others had four. The body shape could vary slightly, with some being more elongated and others more rounded. Customizations included elaborate carvings, inlays, and decorative sound holes. Some gitterns were more ornate, reflecting their use in royal courts, while others were simpler, used by folk musicians. |
| Instrument History | The gittern has its origins in medieval Europe, where it was popular during the 13th to 15th centuries, particularly in France, Italy, and England. The instrument is believed to have influenced the development of later instruments, such as the lute and the guitar. By the Renaissance, the instrument had largely fallen out of use, replaced by more sophisticated string instruments. However, it has been revived in modern times by early music performers and is now featured in historical reenactments and early music ensembles. |
| Similar Types of Instrument | Lute, Mandolin |
| Playing Technique | The gittern is played by plucking the strings with either the fingers or a plectrum. Musicians used various strumming and picking techniques to create rhythmic accompaniments or melodic lines. The instrument’s small size and light weight made it easy to play fast, intricate passages. The courses of strings could be plucked together to create a fuller sound, and the lack of frets on many instruments allowed for smooth gliding between notes. In modern performances, musicians often use historical playing techniques to recreate the authentic sound of medieval music. |
| Learning Difficulty | Low to moderate; the gittern’s simple design and straightforward playing technique make it accessible for beginners, especially those familiar with other plucked string instruments like the lute or guitar. However, mastering the intricate rhythms and melodies of medieval music requires practice and familiarity with the musical styles of the time. |
| Notable Composers | The gittern is primarily associated with anonymous medieval composers and traditional folk musicians. However, modern early music ensembles often include it in their performances of works by medieval composers such as Guillaume de Machaut and Adam de la Halle. |
| Famous Works | The gittern is featured in many traditional medieval works, including dance pieces like “Estampie” and vocal pieces such as “Douce Dame Jolie” by Guillaume de Machaut. It is also used in modern recreations of medieval music by early music ensembles. |
| Notable Performances | The gittern is often featured in performances by early music ensembles and historical reenactment groups that focus on medieval and Renaissance music. It has been played at festivals and concerts dedicated to early music, such as the Festival of Early Music in Utrecht and the Boston Early Music Festival. Modern musicians specializing in early music, such as Paul O’Dette and Jordi Savall, have helped revive the instrument in contemporary performances. |
| Famous Orchestras/Bands | The gittern is most commonly played in early music ensembles that focus on the performance of medieval and Renaissance music. It is also used in historical reenactment groups and festivals dedicated to early music and medieval culture. Some famous ensembles that include the gittern in their performances are the Hesperion XXI, the Newberry Consort, and the Dufay Collective. |
| Maintenance | Regular maintenance includes cleaning the strings and body of the instrument and occasionally replacing the gut strings, which can wear out over time. Wooden instruments should be stored in a controlled environment to prevent warping or cracking due to changes in temperature and humidity. The gittern should be handled with care, especially if it is a historical replica or a handmade instrument. |
| Price Range | Gitterns range from $500 to $2,500, depending on the quality of the craftsmanship, materials, and level of decoration. Handmade instruments from skilled luthiers are typically more expensive, while simpler models for historical reenactments or beginner musicians are more affordable. |
