Background Of The Musical Instrument
Elizabeth Barrett Browning wrote a lovely poem about a musical instrument she owned during her lifetime. This classic piece of Romantic period verse was first published in 1846 and quickly became one of Browning’s most well-known works. It is a beautiful, resounding and lovingly crafted poem that explores the power of music to evoke emotion and explore experiences that words can’t do justice.
The poem is built on the premise of a dulcimer, a kind of zither with a sounding board and three or four bridges that control the sound and quality. The instrument Browning described in her poem was likely a dulcimer from the 18th century, though it is difficult to be sure.
This musical instrument was most likely a gift to Elizabeth Barrett Browning from her husband, Robert Browning. In the poem, she expresses deep emotion, describing the dulcimer as a “soul of many tunes”. In her hands, the dulcimer is capable of both creating and soothing music, exploring feelings and stirring emotions.
Technical Aspects Of The Musical Instrument
The dulcimer was a relatively simple instrument by modern standards, though some versions had as many as five bridges with strings laid across them. It could produce a variety of tones and sounds, depending on how it was tuned, and it was widely used in folk music of the time.
The instrument itself was made of wood, typically with a wooden frame, and frets to control the pitch of the strings. The frets were made of wood, metal, or bone, and could be tuned in a variety of ways. The strings themselves were normally made of gut or metal, but some versions used silk or skin instead.
The dulcimer was held on the player’s lap or against the chest and was played with a quill or a bow. It was also possible to use the instrument as a percussion instrument, in which case it would be struck with wooden hammers or sticks.
Style And Meaning Of The Musical Instrument
The poem “A Musical Instrument” by Elizabeth Barrett Browning is a classic of the Romantic period. It paints a richly detailed picture of a dulcimer, its sounds, and its power to evoke intense emotion in the player and listener.
Browning captures the joy and sorrow of music in her poem with her use of imagery and metaphor. The dulcimer is described as a “soul of many tunes”, and its strings are compared to “silver rain”, “silver strings”, and “showers of silver dew”. The music of the dulcimer is described as having the power to soothe and console the listener, captivating the mind and heart.
The poem is a reminder of the power of music to move us, to help us to explore our own hearts and minds, and to explore the depths of emotion. Browning’s use of poetic imagery and metaphor helps to bring the music of the dulcimer to life in the reader’s mind, making the poem a timeless classic of Romantic period verse.
Impact Of The Musical Instrument
The dulcimer is a simple instrument with a long and varied history. Throughout the poetry of Elizabeth Barrett Browning, we can feel the deep emotional impact of the instrument and the richly detailed picture its sound paints. The poem is a reminder of the power music has to move us and to bring joy or comfort in times of sadness.
The dulcimer is still popular in some folk music traditions today, and can be heard in many Irish, Greek, and American folk songs. The instrument is also still played in some classical music performances. It has even been used in more modern forms of music, such as popular alternative rock bands like The Paperboys and alternative country artist Ryan Adams.
For Elizabeth Barrett Browning, the dulcimer was a favorite piece of instrumentation that she held dear for the rest of her life. She immortalized the instrument in her poem “A Musical Instrument”, which continues to captivate readers of this classic work of Romantic period poetry.
Comparison To Other Musical Instruments
The dulcimer is similar in some ways to the piano, the harpsichord, the guitar, and the lute. All of these instruments have strings across frets and are played with a bow or quill. However, the dulcimer is distinct in that it is usually plucked or struck with hammers or sticks. The dulcimer is also typically made of wood and has fewer strings than other comparable instruments.
The tuning of the dulcimer is usually simpler than other instruments, as the strings are usually tuned to the notes of a single scale. This makes it a good instrument for improvisation and composition, as the player can easily explore different tones and tonalities.
The dulcimer’s minimalistic design and tuning also lends it a unique and distinctive sound. This sound is often described as soothing and calming, and is often used in folk music to evoke a feeling of home and nostalgia.
Modern Innovations In The Musical Instrument
Modern versions of the dulcimer usually feature strings across 6 or 8 frets, and some even feature up to 12 frets or more. These versions of the instrument are often made of different materials, such as aluminum, steel, and acrylic. The materials used also affect the sound of the instrument, as does the tuning and the number of strings.
Some modern versions of the dulcimer feature pickups and amplifiers, allowing the instrument to be plugged into a mixer or amplifier and used in live performance. Likewise, some modern dulcimers come with digital options and synthesizer features, expanding the range of sounds and tones available to the player.
Popular Repertoire For The Musical Instrument
Because of its distinctive sound and its adaptability to a wide range of musical styles, the dulcimer has been used in many different genres over the years. It is often used in folk music and traditional music, but it can also be heard in many popular music genres, including jazz, blues, pop, rock, and hip-hop.
Noteworthy musicians who have used the dulcimer in their compositions and performances include Bob Dylan, Led Zeppelin, Neil Young, The White Stripes, Coldplay, and David Bowie. In recent years, the instrument has seen a surge in popularity, with many new artists producing fascinating sounds and compositions with the instrument.
Cultural Significance Of The Musical Instrument
The dulcimer has long been an important part of many cultures throughout the world. In some Middle Eastern countries, such as Iran, the dulcimer is linked to ancient dance traditions. In Europe and the Americas, the dulcimer was often a part of traditional folk songs and music. It was especially popular in Appalachia, where it was used for traditional mountain music.
The dulcimer has also enjoyed a resurgence in popularity in recent years. Popular indie rock group The Decemberists released an entire concept album about the instrument in 2009, while Grammy Award-winning artist Steve Martin released an album of original songs featuring the dulcimer in 2010.
Conclusion
The dulcimer, immortalized in Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s poem “A Musical Instrument”, is a simple and powerful instrument. Its strings stretch over frets and its sounds evoke emotion and nostalgia, making it an instrument of great beauty and cultural significance. From traditional folk music to modern popular music
