Medieval Fiddles
The fiddle was the favored instrument of minstrels and troubadours in the
Middle Ages. Its versatility made it suitable for monophonic dances,
polyphonic songs, and self-accompaniment for vocalists. Essentially, there
were two types of medieval fiddle in the Middle Ages, generally designated as
'rebec' and 'vielle.'
Johannes Tinctoris wrote that the fiddle and rebec stirred his heart "most ardently to the contemplation of heavenly joys."
Essential Characteristics of Medieval Fiddles
Rebec:
-Pear-shaped body and neck hollowed from a single piece of wood
-Three strings tuned in fifths
-Ideal for melodies and dance music
Vielle:
-A multitude of shapes and sizes, involving a neck which is distinct from the body
-3-6 strings, often tuned to accommodate drones
-Ideal for solos and accompaniment
Medieval Fiddles are perfect for:
-Medieval dance tunes
-Troubadour songs
-Accompaniment for voices
-Mixed consort with recorders, harps, lutes,
and percussion--or any other medieval instruments
that your friends might have.
About my instruments
Medieval
bows
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Recommended books for more information:
Ross Duffin, ed., Performer's Guide to Medieval Music, 2000.
A valuable book with many short articles by leading scholars and performers.
Timothy McGee, Medieval Instrumental Dances, 1989.
The essential collection of extant medieval dances.
Christopher Page, Voices and Instruments of the Middle Ages, 1987.
This and other publications by Page offer insightful discussions of instruments and their uses.
Mary Remnant, English Bowed Instruments from Anglo-Saxon to Tudor Times, 1986.
Scholarly overview of the medieval bowed instruments in England.