Citterns

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A stringed musical instrument that resembles a lute, characterized by a flat, pear-shaped body and typically played with a plectrum
2. Instruments similar to a lute, featuring a resonant body and multiple strings, often used in folk and classical music
3. A type of plucked string instrument, known for its distinctive shape and sound, utilized in various musical traditions

Etymology: The cittern is a stringed musical instrument that gained popularity during the Renaissance period, particularly in the 16th and 17th centuries. Its name traces back to the Italian word "citerna" or "cittern," which itself comes from the Latin "cithara," borrowed from the ancient Greek "kithara," a kind of lyre. The instrument is related to the lute family but distinguished by its flat back and wire strings, which gave it a brighter, more metallic sound compared to the gut-strung lute. Originally, the cittern was a popular instrument among amateurs and common folk, prized for its relative simplicity and affordability. It often featured four to six courses of strings and was used for accompanying songs, dancing, and informal music-making. The plural form, "citterns," simply refers to multiple such instruments, which were widespread across Europe, with variations in design and tuning adapting to different regional styles. Despite its decline in mainstream popularity by the 18th century, the cittern has experienced revivals in folk and early music circles. Its etymology highlights a journey from the classical lyres of ancient Greece to a humble Renaissance household instrument, reflecting broader cultural shifts in music-making from elite courts to broader public spheres. The word’s survival into modern English owes much to historical musicology and the continued interest in period instruments.