The Lute - A testament to music's evolution, in history enshrined

 

In the realm of melody, a tale unfolds,

Of a stringed marvel, its story never old.

Born in Mesopotamia's ancient land,

Crafted by Semitic tribes' skilled hand.

 

A long neck it bore, from a stick it was hewn,

Into a bowl of turtle-shell or carved tune.

Its top was cloaked in skin so fine,

Strings from neck to base did intertwine.

 

To the Arab world, it traveled far,

Transformed into the 'ūd, like a shooting star.

A body deep and pear-shaped, a sight to behold,

A bent-back pegbox, a tale of old.

 

From the 'ūd, the European lute took form,

In art and music, it became the norm.

Through Spain and crusaders, it found its way,

In the 13th century, it began its sway.

 

In Europe's hands, it underwent change,

Four strings to a quill plectrum, no longer strange.

By the 14th century's mid, pairs of strings it bore,

And by the 15th, the plectrum was no more.

 

Fingers danced on strings, a melody to compose,

Movable gut frets, a fifth course arose.

By the 16th century, its classic form was set,

Six courses of strings, a specific pitch met.

 

Tablature held its music, a system so neat,

Horizontal lines for courses, a feat.

From Medieval to Baroque, its sound did ring,

In secular music of the Renaissance, it was king.

 

An accompaniment in vocal works, a lutenist's pride,

A luthier's creation, in craftsmanship, he confide.

Today, the lute stands, a symbol of taste refined,

A testament to music's evolution, in history enshrined.

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