Word Archaeology: bandora

Thought to be created by luthier John Rose of England circa 1560, the bandora is a guitar-like string instrument that was popular for more than a century, becoming a common item in the more famous households. The instrument’s name may have derived ultimately from the Greek “pandoura”, which was a sort of three-string lute.

Anthony Holborne was one of the most prominent composers for the bandora. Here’s a video of Ian Pittaway playing a sample of Holborne’s music on a 7-course bandora.

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Wes Platt

Lead storyteller. Game designer and journalist. Recovering Floridian.

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