String Instruments Hurdy-Gurdy: History and Characteristics 31 December 2022 / 21 December 2024 by Team HmS The hurdy-gurdy is a very ancient musical instrument, whose invention dates back to the Middle Ages. Even today, it enjoys a small but dedicated group of enthusiasts, particularly among those with a passion for string instruments. According to the Hornbostel-Sachs classification system, this instrument is categorized under the code 321.321-72. Its use in music today […] Read more »
Music Theory and Culture How is a Classical Orchestra Composed? 31 December 2022 / 21 December 2024 by Team HmS Who has never felt the charm of a live orchestra? There is always a touch of magic in the performances we experience in theaters or even on television. However, the definition of an orchestra might be taken for granted. How is it composed? What are the instruments found in it? Are they always positioned in […] Read more »
String Instruments Appalachian Dulcimer: History and Characteristics 31 December 2022 / 21 December 2024 by Team HmS Among the stringed instruments of the lute family, the Appalachian dulcimer stands out as one of the most fascinating plucked chordophones for several reasons. Its unique shapes and the rich history surrounding this instrument—which traces its origins to the Appalachian region of the United States—make it a captivating instrument to both play and listen to. […] Read more »
Wind Instruments and Aerophones Pump Organ: History and Characteristics 31 December 2022 / 15 December 2024 by Team HmS The pump organ before 1700 was completely unknown in Europe; it was introduced by the Chinese in Russia in the second half of the 18th century and quickly spread to the rest of Europe, thanks to C. Kratzenstein, a Danish philologist who created the first known model. Over time, the structure of the instrument underwent […] Read more »
Wind Instruments and Aerophones Bassoon: History and Characteristics 30 December 2022 / 15 December 2024 by Team HmS The bassoon, so named for its original shape resembling a bellows, is a wind instrument belonging to the woodwind family (or aerophones in the Hornbostel-Sachs classification) and historically made almost exclusively of wood. It features a double reed, whose vibration generates sound through the two wooden tubes that form the instrument’s structure. These are joined […] Read more »
Music Theory and Culture Japanese Musical Instruments 28 December 2022 / 15 December 2024 by Team HmS Japanese musical instruments represent an essential part of the Land of the Rising Sun’s musical tradition. Among the most popular are the koto, a type of 13-string zither, the shakuhachi, a bamboo flute, the taiko, a barrel-shaped drum, and the shamisen, a guitar-like instrument with a square resonating box and rounded corners. In addition to […] Read more »
String Instruments The Double Bass: From Classical Music to Jazz 28 December 2022 / 14 December 2024 by Team HmS The origin of the double bass is uncertain, but it is believed to have evolved from the violone, a large bowed viola used in Renaissance music. During the 17th century, the violone was modified into a larger, more powerful instrument capable of producing deeper, lower notes. This new instrument, called the “violone di contrabbasso“, quickly […] Read more »
String Instruments The Mandolin: The Story of an Icon 28 December 2022 / 14 December 2024 by Team HmS The mandolin is a plucked string instrument with very ancient origins. Its history can be traced back to the Babylonian civilization, where similar lute-like instruments were already in use. Initially, it was constructed in forms and sizes resembling the lyre, a popular ancient string instrument. How a Mandolin is Made However, the mandolin differs from […] Read more »
Wind Instruments and Aerophones History and Sound of the Trombone 28 December 2022 / 14 December 2024 by Team HmS There is no band without the trombone, a brass wind instrument similar to the trumpet but larger and with a deeper sound. Its origins are very ancient, and its exact provenance remains uncertain. However, the adoption of the Italian term “trombone” in all countries suggests that the instrument’s origin is also Italian. Whether it uses […] Read more »
Wind Instruments and Aerophones The Pan Flute: A Millennia-Old History 28 December 2022 / 8 December 2024 by Team HmS Music enthusiasts and others have likely heard of the Pan flute at least once in their lives. This instrument is known across the globe and has likely been heard in performance at some point by almost everyone. Its distinctive sound makes it unique and inimitable, though there are numerous versions depending on the country of […] Read more »
