Cittern

Cittern
Cittern exhibited at the
Music Museum of Barcelona
Other namesFr. cistre, It. cetra, Ger. zitter, zither, Sp. cistro, cedra, cítola
Classification String instrument (plucked)
Hornbostel–Sachs classification321.322-5
(necked box lute, plucked with fingers)
Developed16th century
Related instruments

The cittern or cithren (Fr. cistre, It. cetra, Ger. Cister, Sp. cistro, cedra, cítola)[1] is a stringed instrument dating from the Renaissance. Modern scholars debate its exact history, but it is generally accepted that it is descended from the Medieval citole (or cytole). Its flat-back design was simpler and cheaper to construct than the lute. It was also easier to play, smaller, less delicate and more portable. Played by people of all social classes, the cittern was a popular instrument of casual music-making much like the guitar is today.

  1. ^ Chisholm, Hugh, ed. (1911). "Cittern" . Encyclopædia Britannica. Vol. 6 (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press. pp. 399–400.

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