Harps, trumpets and bird calls  Book III, Chapter 16, Section 1b
 



Harp
 14. He beareth an Antique Harpe. This is so termed because so generally drawne in Antique worke, where Musick or Musicall Instruments are used; as naked boyes or Cherubims flying in the Aire, and playing (as it were) on such an Instrument. Nay I haue seene the picture of King David playing on, or praying, and such a kinde of an Harpe lying by him. So then from these uses we may also terme this, a celestiall Harpe, or David's Harpe. Some call it a Lyre, from the Latine word Lyra, an Harpe. others terme it a Poly-cord-Lyre, which I can no better render into an English name then an Heart Harpe, or a Harpe much like an Heart: an Heart-like Harpe.

Related text(s)   Psaltery   Crowd

Harp
 15. He beareth Jupiter, an Harpe Sol, stringed Luna.
It is of some termed, an Irish Harpe, or a Welsh Harpe, because those two countreys (amongst the common people) do much use that kinde of Musick.
The Harp hath 33 or 35 strings made of small and larg gut strings.
The double Harp hath about 40 strings.
The treble Harp hath 64 strings.
The Body.
The comb where the pins are.
The Bow, with its head, which is carved into any shape which the workman pleaseth.


Fife
 16. He beareth a Fife, or Flute, betweene two Jews trumps.


Jews trumpet
 17. He beareth a Jews Trumpett.
It is the custome, and a fashion amongst the Jews, and Israelites, to fashion the wide ends of ther trumpetts, into the wide and gapeing mouths of fish, and Lions, and such terrible creatures, as will strike an amazement to the beholders.


Trumpet
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18. He beareth a Trumpett of a rames horne (or a rames horne Trumpett). This is a Jews Trumpett which was made by them, according to Gods command, for the use and service of the Tabernacle, as we may read Josh. 6.4.


Trumpet
 19. He beareth a Trumpett.


Trumpet pavilion
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Issueing out of the dexter base of this quarter, is the sounding part of a Trumpett which you haue heard is termed the Povilion of a Trumpett. It may also be taken for the bottome part of a Wyatt, or recorder, and a Psalter.

Related text(s)   Trumpet parts

Drum
  20. He beareth a Drumme, corded and Braced: [with] two drumme sticks.
This is a warre like Instrument, and frequently used in the feild of Mars, and was invented for these ends: to giue directions both to companies and whole Armies, how and when to march, encampe, call together, Assault, retraite, &c. for all which they haue peculiar wayes of beating: but in fights and fierce assaults vpon the enimie, it is a good thing to stirre vp valour and courage in the souldiers; and to drowne the cries of the wounded, and maymed.

Related text(s)   Tabrett   Drum parts

Bittern call
 21. He beareth a Bitterne call ...


Small bird call
 and a call for small Birds.

Related text(s)   Bird calls

Lark call
 22. He beareth a Larke, a Linnett, or a Kites call with a string hanging in a ring, or eye fixed vnto the side of it. It is made round, and hollow, with two flat sides, with a hole in one flat opposite to an hole in the other. These are generally made of siluer, for the purer the mettle, the sharp and shriller the sound. Hold this betweene your lipps and drawe your breath in and let it out quick and it will make a noise like the birds aforesaid: yet not without some skill in blowing.


Cittern
 23. He beareth a Gitterne, or Citterne.
This Instruments hath wyer strings set by paires, so that it doth in a maner consist but of 4 strings, because in the touching of one with a sharp pointed quill, you strike vpon both togather.

Related text(s)   Cittern parts

Sackbut
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24. He beareth a Sackbute. This is a base in a consort of Musick.

Related text(s)   Sackbut parts

Double pipe
 25. He beareth a double, or joyned pipe. This is by some termed a Shepards, or Satyres Whistle, or poly flute, being used by them, as is set forth by many of our auncient poets: It is a kind of wavering fluteing sound, begining and ending in a blast, as if it were but a call to one, at a distance, with an eccoh. I suppose it is by some termed a Gingras.


Pipe
 In the base of the quarter is set downe the forme of a pipe or whistle, spoken of before numb.6. The Tabret and pipe, was a musicall sound in use with the Jews in all their dayes of mirth and danceing, which the prophet tould them, should cease because of the wickednesse of the people. Isa: 5.12. and 24.8. Se numb.6.


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