The Influence of Moorish Instruments on the Classical Guitar
The history of the classical guitar is a fascinating journey through cultural exchange and evolution. Its lineage reflects a blend of various influences, including those from Moorish musical traditions, which played a significant role in shaping the instrument we know today.
Origins and Influences
The history of the guitar can be traced back to various stringed instruments that existed in the Mediterranean region, including those brought to the Iberian Peninsula by the Moors during their rule from the 8th to the 15th centuries. One of the key instruments believed to have influenced the development of the guitar is the oud - a pear-shaped stringed instrument prominent in Middle Eastern music.
The Moors also introduced other instruments such as the rebab and various types of lutes, all of which contributed to the evolution of stringed instruments in Spain. Over time, these influences merged with local traditions, leading to the development of early guitar forms such as the vihuela in the 15th century and the baroque guitar in the 17th century. By the late 19th century, the modern classical guitar as we know it today emerged, characterized by its distinct shape and construction.
Similarities and Influential Instruments
Yes, it is indeed possible to trace the inspiration for the classical guitar to these Moorish instruments. To better understand the influence, we can look at the similarities in design between the guembri, ngoni, and oud.
The Guembri: This instrument appears to be one of the earlier influences, evident in its shape and possible variants. One of the earliest images of a lute in Europe, dating from the 9th century, resembles the guembri. Interestingly, the guembri was made from a single piece of wood, and the early configuration included higher, more familiar sounding notes in an "African" setup.
The Oud: Another key influence is the oud. The wooden face of the oud and the movement of the resonating hole from the back towards the middle are notable features. Additionally, the telltale angled tuning area was a defining characteristic that developed in Europe, blending the guembri and oud.
The Ngoni: While not directly contributing to the classical guitar design, the ngoni is a close relative to the guembri. Both instruments are similar in shape, with the ngoni resembling a smaller guembri. However, the ngoni's shaft is made of a different material than the rest of the body, adding a unique element to its design. Interestingly, the shape of the ngoni also resembles that of the pochette kit violin.
The Latin and Moorish Lute: In the later period, the blending of the guembri and oud became more apparent. For instance, the Latin lute and the Moorish lute illustrated in historical images demonstrate how these instruments evolved together, ultimately leading to the modern guitar.
Conclusion: A Blend of Cultural Influences
From the Moorish colonies to the cultural exchange in Europe, the classical guitar's lineage is a testament to the rich musical heritage of Spain and the broader Mediterranean region. These diverse influences combined to create an instrument that resonates with a universal love for music, bringing people together across cultures.
It is essential to remember, however, that while playing music is a wonderful experience, there's no need to be that person who brings a guitar to parties only for people to dislike you. Share your passion responsibly and enjoy the cultural enrichment that music offers.