Theorbo
The theorbo is a musical instrument. It is a lute with a longer neck. It is played by plucking the strings with one hand. Another hand presses the strings. This changes the pitch. It has an extra set of bass strings. This gives the theorbo a bigger range of notes to play. It was used to play basso continuo parts in the baroque period. It was also played as a solo instrument.
Theorbo Media
The girl is playing a type of theorbo that combined two ranges of strings with separate peg boxes; the bass strings (longer) went to the straight pegbox that peeks from behind the girl's head. The other lute strings went to the bent pegbox. A similar theorbo is in the Wagner Museum, Lucerne, Switzerland.
15-course Theorbo tuning chart
A 1670 painting of an English theorbo player.
Il suonatore di tiorba (The Theorbo Player), a painting by Antiveduto Grammatica.
References
- Harwood, Ian; Spencer, Robert; Tyler, James (2001). "Theorbo". Grove Music Online. Oxford University Press. doi:10.1093/gmo/9781561592630.article.27808. Retrieved 21 April 2022.
