Vielle facts for kids
The vielle is an old musical instrument from Europe. It's a stringed instrument that you play with a bow, much like a violin. It was very popular during the Medieval period, which was a long time ago!
The vielle looks a bit like a violin but has a longer and deeper body. People also called it a fidel or a viuola. The name vielle is French. It was one of the most common instruments in Medieval times.
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What is the Vielle?
The vielle is a type of string instrument. This means it makes sound from vibrating strings. You play it by pulling a bow across its strings. This is similar to how you play a violin or a cello today.
How is it Different from a Violin?
While the vielle is like a violin, it's not the same. It usually has a larger body. This bigger size gives it a deeper sound. Violins are often smaller and have a brighter sound. The vielle was built to be played in different ways than modern violins.
Where Did the Vielle Come From?
Historians believe the vielle might have come from an instrument called the lira. The lira was a bowed instrument from the Byzantine Empire. This empire was a powerful state in the past.
Related Instruments
The lira itself is closely related to the Rebab. The Rebab is an ancient bowed instrument from Arab countries. This shows how musical ideas and instruments traveled across different cultures long ago.
The Vielle in Medieval Times
During the Medieval period (roughly from the 5th to the 15th century), the vielle was a very important instrument. Musicians used it for many types of music. It was played in churches, at royal courts, and for dances. It was a versatile instrument, meaning it could play many different kinds of songs.
See also
