Rob MacKillop wrote:
> David, > > Bremner did NOT say that the 'true fort' of the instruments was to play > ponticello. The complete text is on my website for all to see: > www.rmguitar.co.uk/cittern.htm and I reproduce the passage below. He clearly > states that the 'true fort' is to play between soundhole and bridge - but > SOMETIMES play nearer the bridge for contrast, and also play tasto - near > the neck. > > ''The true Fort of the Instrument is best produced by touching the Strings > between the Sound-hole and the Bridge, tho' it will occasion a pleasing > Variety to play some Times near the Bridge, and afterwards as far up as the > Little-finger will allow the others to reach; the Tone of the one > representing the Lute, and the other the Pipe or Organ. But this is only to > be attempted when the Learner is well advanced, and can with Judgement apply > it so as to expect a good Effect from it.'' > On my instrument, between the soundhole and the bridge is much closer to the bridge than I would normally play! About the same position as ponticello on a classical. Certainly with the little finger anchored on the bridge wing you are fairly restricted in the range he describes. To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
