Background
Elizabeth Barrett Browning was an early 19th-century English poetess and writer. During her lifetime, she was highly respected and admired for her work. Her best-known work was the collection of sonnets titled Sonnets from the Portuguese (1850). Browning was an accomplished musician who could not only play the keyboard and piano but could also play the saxophone and other musical instruments. Her first musical instruments of choice was the gittern, an ancient instrument which resembled a four-stringed lute.
Instrument Profile
The gittern was invented during the Renaissance period and is one of the few surviving musical instruments from that era. It is a plucked instrument made of wood with four strings. It has a very distinct sound and its strings are tuned to the notes D Major, G Minor, B Minor, and an E. The instrument was popular among musicians and was used to create folk music as well as classical music pieces. Browning used the gittern to compose her music and wrote several works for the instrument.
Playing Characteristics
Gitterns are often described as having a very rich, deep sound. It is a relatively easy instrument to learn and those with a basic knowledge of music theory should be able to pick it up quite quickly. Though the gittern can be plucked or bowed, Browning used it exclusively as a plucked instrument. She favored the instrument for its rich timbre, which can only be achieved when plucked.
Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s Legacy
Barrett Browning was an important figure in the history of music. She composed works for the gittern and was one of the first composers to popularize the instrument. She also wrote several works for the instrument that have been performed and recorded by modern musicians. The instrument has been used in a range of different styles including folk, classical, and even pop music.
Contemporary Influence
Though the gittern has seen a resurgence in popularity over the last few decades, it was Elizabeth Barrett Browning who popularized the instrument. Today, the gittern is used by countless contemporary musicians, including guitarists, as a means of expressing their musical talents. Browning’s influence has also been felt in the realm of musical theatre, where the gittern has been used to enhance the music and create unique sounds for plays and musicals.
Performance Activity
The gittern has seen a resurgence in popularity due to the efforts of a few dedicated modern performers. These performers have formed bands, recorded and composed albums and performed concerts dedicated to the instrument, keeping the instrument in the public eye.
Although modern performers have created an audience for the instrument, there is still a niche audience for the instrument who appreciate the unique sound and style of the gittern and the music created by Elizabeth Barrett Browning.
Historical Significance
In addition to its influence on contemporary music, the gittern has also had a profound influence on history. The instrument was used by members of the court during the Renaissance period and even by Elizabeth I who played the instrument during her reign. It was her influence that helped spread the popularity of the instrument and inspired Elizabeth Barrett Browning and generations of musicians to follow.
Innovations
The gittern has been used by countless generations of innovators, innovators who have helped develop and shape the instrument into what it is today. Beginning with the Renaissance period, through the Baroque period, Classical period and so on, the gittern has adapted to each era and become the instrument it is today due to the ingenuity of its players.
Music Theory
The gittern is an ideal instrument for those interested in music theory. The instrument’s four strings are tuned to the notes D Major, G Minor, B Minor, and an E and provide a great platform for those interested in developing their understanding of music theory. By being able to play the same notes but in different intervals, musicians can develop their own unique concepts and progressions.
Sound Characteristics
The gittern is known for its unique sound, which is due to the four-string tuning. Players can achieve a variety of sounds and tones, ranging from warm and mellow to bright and piercing. This range of sounds is what makes the instrument so versatile and allows musicians to create both classical and modern music.
Recording Process
The gittern is difficult to record, primarily due to its loudness. Many modern recording studios opt to use a microphone placed directly in front of the strings and then use a compressor and equalizer to tame the sound. The sound of the gittern, when recorded properly, has a unique character and can be used to create a sense of depth and emotion in recordings.
Instrument Maintenance
As with any instrument, the gittern requires regular maintenance in order to keep it in top condition. It is important to keep the strings tight and tuned, but also to oil the fretboard, polish the instrument and dust the strings. Additionally, the instrument should be properly stored and should be kept in an environment where it is not exposed to too much moisture or temperature fluctuations.
Other Uses
In addition to its musical use, the gittern is also popularly used as a collector’s item. Many modern manufacturers have created custom gitterns, which are often highly sought after by collectors. The instrument has become a popularly sought-after item due to its unique sound and historical significance.
Educational Opportunities
Many institutions now offer courses on the gittern and its historical significance. These courses are often suited to people of all levels of ability, from the complete beginner to the experienced musician. Courses such as these provide an opportunity for students to learn about the instrument and its history, as well as gain hands-on experience.
Customization
Instrument makers now offer custom gitterns, which are tailored to the buyer’s specifications. A custom gittern allows the buyer to choose the type of wood, the strings, and even the types of inlays. This customization allows the player to create an instrument that is perfectly suited to their playing style and preferences.
Conclusion
Elizabeth Barrett Browning was an accomplished musician who had a profound influence on the history of music. Her use of the gittern helped to popularize the instrument and her own compositions for it were performed and recorded by a multitude of modern musicians. The instrument is still popular today and is used by a wide range of genres, from folk to classical. Its unique sound and versatility make it an ideal instrument for those interested in music theory, composing and recording.
