Penorcon Explained

The penorcon is a plucked string instrument with nine courses of double strings,[1] depicted in the treatise Syntagma Musicum (17th century) by Praetorius.[2] The sides of the instrument are scalloped and sometimes the resonance soundboard has no holes. In relation to the bandora, its body is a little broader, and in length, it is somewhat lesser. Its neck or fingerboard is quite wide.

This instrument uses the following tuning: G′– A′ – C – D – G – c – e – a – d′.

Music written for the penorcon has not been identified.

References

  1. Book: The New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians . 1980 . Stanley Sadie, George Grove, South China Printing Company . 0-333-23111-2 . London . 5676891.
  2. Web site: Pittaway . Ian . 2017-11-14 . Wired for sound: the bandora and orpharion . 2023-05-01 . Early Music Muse . en-GB.