Dulcimer Tones

"Want to listen to some dulcimer music?"

Public domain image

The invitation came from my sister-in-law, Rita, during a recent visit to my brother.

Honestly, dulcimers have never really been on my radar screen. When my son was a baby, there were dulcimer lullabies. And I sometimes listen to new age music, which features the instrument. But I've never sought it out.

But, being the adventurous soul that I am, I acquiesced. And that's how I discovered the music of Dizzi Dulcimer.

Okay, okay, the name is a little flaky. (And, truth be told, Dizzi is, too.) But her music is breathtaking.

The experience piqued my interest, and I wanted to know more, including how to obtain some of her work.

Off I went to ask the Google. 

I discovered that Dizzi has her own website and YouTube channel. She teaches as well as performing the dulcimer. As you may have surmised, Dizzi is a nom de plume -- her real name is Rebecca Cree. She was a child actress until, at the age of 16, she learned to play the drums. While playing clubs in London, she discovered the hammered dulcimer, and there was no looking back. She was smitten.

With a combination of time, patience and natural talent, Dizzi mastered the dulcimer, taking it on the road to perform at a variety of venues including weddings and Renaissance festivals. 

So, what's the deal with dulcimers? Back to the Google to learn more.

The dulcimer, a trapeze-shaped instrument, is a descendant of the psaltry, an ancient instrument played by plucking its strings. The first dulcimer in Europe likely came from Persia in the 15th Century. Its popularity spread throughout England, Germany, France, Italy and Holland, each country giving the instrument its own distinct name.

The pianoforte is the next generation dulcimer, with the hammers hitting the strings using keys. 

The hammered dulcimer is not to be confused with the Appalachian (or "mountain") dulcimer, which is played with one's fingers, a quill or stick. 

In spite of what Mr. Ginley says, I don't believe there is any "dull" in "dulcimer." I find the music soothing and soul satisfying.

But then, I've always been a little dizzy myself.

P.S. Here's a sample of Dizzi's work: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TxjpYHhfRyI&list=RDEMYfc9pTxRhWAfvLpCt8XpoQ&start_radio=1