Quinterne
Historic lute- or zither-like plucked instrument with several string courses and a flat body.
What it means
The quinterne is a historic plucked instrument of the lute family. It has a small, flat or single-piece carved body, a neck and several string courses. It is also handed down under the names chiterna and gittern and is regarded as a forerunner of the guitar.
Musical use
The quinterne was widespread in Europe in the late Middle Ages and the Renaissance and served to accompany singing and dance music. It had a bright, slender sound and was plucked with a finger or a quill. Later it was displaced by the guitar and lute.
The quinterne should be distinguished from the lute with its strongly vaulted body and from the oud, whose construction comes from the Orient.
Performance practice
When you hear or play the quinterne, pay attention to the bright, light sound; the instrument is built to accompany songs and dances. Keep the touch calm and the melody clear.