1. Lute:
The lute was a plucked string instrument with a pear-shaped body and a long neck. It had multiple strings, and musicians used a quill or a plectrum to pluck the strings. The lute's versatility allowed it to be used in both secular and sacred settings.
2. Fiddle:
Also known as the medieval violin, the fiddle was the forerunner to the modern violin. Smaller and simpler in design compared to the lute, the fiddle was bowed instead of plucked. It was commonly played to accompany folk dances and celebrations.
3. Harp:
The medieval harp was a string instrument that varied in size and design. Its triangular or rectangular frame held strings that were plucked with fingers. Harps were closely associated with Celtic and Irish traditional music.
4. Recorder:
The recorder was a woodwind instrument that produced sound by blowing air across a beveled edge, called the "fipple." It was similar to modern-day recorders and played in various sizes and keys.
5. Shawm:
The shawm was a double-reed woodwind instrument with a loud and piercing sound. Often played in bands of instruments, it was used in processions, celebrations, and military ceremonies.
6. Crumhorn:
The crumhorn was another woodwind instrument with a conical shape and a single reed. Its distinctive tone was characterized by a buzzing or humming sound.
7. Hurdy-gurdy:
A mechanical string instrument, the hurdy-gurdy had a crank that turned a rosined wheel to create a continuous vibration of the strings. Melodies were played on a fingerboard, while drone strings provided a constant tonal background.
8. Portative Organ:
The portable organ was an early form of the organ that could be carried. It consisted of a set of pipes and a small set of bellows. Its compact design made it suitable for processions and religious ceremonies.
9. Psaltery:
The psaltery was a string instrument that resembled a zither. Its trapezoidal body had strings that were plucked with a quill or a plectrum. Often used for religious music and courtly entertainment, the psaltery was versatile in its musical applications.
10. Trumpet:
The medieval trumpet was a brass instrument known for its loud and clear sound. It had a narrow bore and a flared bell. Trumpets were used for signaling, military purposes, and ceremonial events.
These instruments, along with others such as the vielle, bagpipes, and percussion instruments like the tabor and tambourine, played a significant role in shaping the soundscapes of the Middle Ages. They were used in various musical contexts, from courtly entertainment to religious ceremonies, as well as in street performances and social gatherings.