King David Playing the Zither

David, the shepherd boy who became the king of Israel, was a warrior, a statesman, and also a musician. He is traditionally believed to be the author of the Psalms. He is often represented in renaissance art playing a stringed instrument (usually a harp). The zither is a stringed instrument consisting merely of strings and a string bearer. Together with the lyre it was the main plucked instrument of antiquity.

Suggested listening (streaming mp3, 8 minutes):

Giovanni Bononcini: Sinfonia decima a 7