Question

The shawm was perhaps the most popular double reed instrument of the Renaissance period. Question 6 options: 1) True 2) False

Answer 1

Answer:

FALSE. It was popular, but not te most popular.

Explanation:

Until the early 16th century, instruments were considered much less important than voices. They were used in dancing, accompanying the singing, but simply doubling the singers' voices or substituting for one of them. However, during the 16th century, musicians began writing only for instrumental groups. The instruments were divided into two groups: the bas (low or soft) instruments for domestic use and the haut (high) for playing in churches, large halls or in the open.

Some instruments, such as shawms, flutes, and some types of medieval bugles, remained popular. Others, like the lute, were modified and others were invented.

The most famous Renaissance musical instruments are:

1. Lute: The lute's arm was bent backwards, the strings were tuned in unison pairs, and the instrument received frets, metal threads, just like the guitar.

2. Violas: They had a bulging top and flat bottom; six strings running through a dotted arm; the violas were most played upright in front of the performer.

3. Cromorne: Wooden instrument, with a small cap covering a double reed, produced a soft but high pitched sound.

4. Cervelato: Double reed instrument and bass sounds; it had a long tube, tangled inside a cylinder measuring about 12 inches.

5. Sacabuxa: It was the ancestor of the stick trombone; it had a less bulky bell and made a more melodious and full sound.

6. Trumpet: It's tube has been bent and turned, making it easier to handle. Until the nineteenth century, while the valve system had not yet been invented, it was a low-grade instrument obtained by lip pressure.

7. Percussion instruments: Included tambourine, drum, tympanum, clear box, triangle and cymbal.