Baryton facts for kids
 |
|
| String instrument | |
|---|---|
| Classification | string |
| Hornbostel–Sachs classification | 32 (Composite chordophones) |
A baryton is a unique string instrument that looks a bit like a cello or a viol. It has many strings, some of which are played with a bow, and others that vibrate on their own. This special instrument was very popular during the 1700s, especially with Joseph Haydn, a famous composer.
Contents
What is a Baryton?
The baryton is a member of the viol family, which means it's related to instruments like the viola da gamba. It usually has six or seven strings on the front that are played with a bow, just like a cello. But what makes the baryton special are the extra strings behind its neck. These are called sympathetic strings.
Sympathetic Strings Explained
Sympathetic strings are not played directly by the musician. Instead, they vibrate and make sound when the main strings are played. Imagine plucking a main string; the sound waves travel through the instrument and cause the sympathetic strings to hum along. This creates a rich, echoing sound that is very unique to the baryton. These extra strings can also be plucked by the player's thumb through a special opening in the back of the instrument's neck.
History of the Baryton
The baryton became very popular in the 18th century, especially in Austria and Germany. It was often played in royal courts and by wealthy music lovers.
Prince Esterházy and Joseph Haydn
One of the biggest fans of the baryton was Nikolaus I, Prince Esterházy, a very rich and powerful prince. He loved the instrument so much that he learned to play it himself. Prince Esterházy hired the famous composer Joseph Haydn to be his music director. Haydn wrote many pieces specifically for the baryton, often for the prince to play.
Haydn composed over 150 pieces for the baryton, including 126 trios (music for three instruments). These pieces helped make the baryton well-known during its time. The close relationship between Haydn and Prince Esterházy is a big reason why we know so much about the baryton today.
The Baryton Today
After the 18th century, the baryton's popularity slowly faded. Other instruments, like the cello, became more common. For a long time, the baryton was rarely heard.
However, in recent years, there has been a renewed interest in old instruments. Musicians and music historians are rediscovering the baryton. They are learning to play Haydn's beautiful compositions and even creating new music for it. This means that this unique instrument, with its special sympathetic strings, is making a comeback!
Images for kids
-
A copy of Prince Esterhazy's baryton, on display at his palace in Eisenstadt.
-
A six-stringed baryton
-
Violinmaker Hans Benning of Benning Violins creating a Baryton in Los Angeles, 1963.
.jpg){kind=small}
See also
In Spanish: Baritón para niños
