An-Najah Staff

ABSTRACT

The Impact of Violoncello Techniques on the Modern Style of Playing on the Lute

By

Mahmoud Muneeb Ali Rashdan

Supervisor

Prof. Dr. Abdel Hameed Hamam

     The study was concerned with the lute instrument and its description and with the development of the instrument in the arab-islamic civilization, in which renowned theorists and players on the lute were celebrated; and the study emphasizes on the more classical school of playing on the lute in terms of its style of playing on the lute, and on some of its pioneers in the Arab World. The study historically reviewed the cello instrument, its techniques, and its role in the developed techniques of playing on the lute. 

     The purpose of the present study was to identify effects  of some cello playing techniques, on modern style of playing on playing the lute by reviewing styles adopted by some talented players who pioneered the modern style of playing on the lute.

     To answer the study questions, interviews were made with recent players who use modern style of playing on the lute.          

     The researcher developed questions specifically related to effects of the cello techniques on the modern style of playing on the lute. The questions were then shown to a number of lute players who were familiarized with playing on the cello too.

     Based on earlier procedure the cello techniques that were adapted from cello to be used with the lute were identified, including:

1.     Positioning.

2.     using the pick.

3.     Performance style.

     Results from the current study indicate that lute player took advantage from techniques used in playing on the cello which in fact improved their playing, technical, and composing skills.

     In light of earlier findings the researcher recommended adoption of the modern style in lute textbooks; develop modern style-based academic curricula that depend on finger digitizing style as is the case with playing on the cello. In addition, musicians are also invited to compose lute musical pieces based on the modern style that requires skilled performance and high technique; and also to encourage their search for new playing styles, and develop techniques of playing on the lute in order for this instrument to symbolize the musical advancement and civilization.