What are the differences between the lute and the mandolin?

In the universe of music, stringed instruments occupy pride of place. Among them, the lute and the mandolin are two instruments whose captivating sounds have spanned the centuries. However, despite some similarities, these two instruments have distinct characteristics that make them different choices for musicians. Today we invite you to discover the differences between the lute and the mandolin by exploring their history, their design and their use in music.

The history of the lute and the mandolin

Before focusing on their differences, it is important to understand the origin and evolution of these two instruments over the centuries.

The lute, an emblematic instrument of classical music

The lute is a plucked string instrument originating from the Middle East. It was introduced to Europe in the Middle Ages and enjoyed a resurgence in popularity during the Renaissance. The lute has evolved over time, from the medieval lute to the Renaissance lute, then to the Baroque lute.

At XVIth century, the lute established itself as the instrument of choice for court music, and many composers such as John Dowland, Francesco da Milano and Luis de Milán wrote pieces specifically for this instrument. However, with the arrival of the baroque guitar in Seventeenth century, the lute begins to be neglected and ends up disappearing in Eighteenth century.

The mandolin, a popular and versatile instrument

The mandolin is a direct descendant of the mandore, a small plucked string instrument popular in XVIth century. The mandolin appeared in Italy in Seventeenth century and enjoyed immediate success. It was quickly adopted throughout Europe and is particularly appreciated for its versatility and ease of play.

The mandolin has evolved over the centuries, giving rise to various models such as the Milanese mandolin, the Neapolitan mandolin and the romantic mandolin. Today, it is still very present in popular, classical and even contemporary music.

The design of the lute and mandolin

Despite their common origins as plucked string instruments, the lute and mandolin have notable differences in their design.

Shape and size

The lute is characterized by its half-pear shape and its soundboard convex, reminiscent of a turtle’s shell. Its handle is long and slightly curved. The lute is generally larger than the mandolin, with a length varying between 60 and 130 cm.

The mandolin, on the other hand, is smaller and lighter. Its sound box is flat or slightly curved, and its neck is shorter and straight. The mandolin measures on average between 40 and 70 cm in length.

The number of strings

The lute generally has between 6 and 13 single or double strings, while the mandolin is equipped with 4 to 6 pairs of strings. double strings. The number of strings on the lute can vary depending on the era and region, but it generally has single or double gut or steel strings. The mandolin, on the other hand, always has double steel or bronze strings.

The soundboard and the bridge

The soundboard of the lute is usually made of spruce, while that of the mandolin is often made of maple or spruce. The bridge of the lute is mobile and made of wood, while that of the mandolin is fixed and made of ebony or metal.

The use of the lute and mandolin in music

The lute and the mandolin each have their own repertoire and are used in different ways. different in music.

The lute, a solo and accompaniment instrument

The lute is a polyphonic instrument, capable of producing several voices simultaneously. It is often used solo to play pieces of early or baroque music, but it can also serve as accompaniment in chamber music ensembles or in choirs. The lute is often associated with classical and baroque music, but it has also been used in other musical genres such as jazz and pop music.

The mandolin, a versatile instrument adapted to different musical genres

The mandolin is a very versatile instrument, capable of adapting to many musical styles. It is often used solo, in duet with another instrument (guitar, violin, etc.), or within chamber music ensembles. The mandolin is also very present in popular music, folk music and bluegrass music. It can be played with a plectrum or with the fingers, and lends itself as well to melody as to rhythmic accompaniment.

In conclusion: lute or mandolin, two instruments with unique sounds

The lute and the mandolin are two stringed instruments with distinct characteristics, both in terms of their history and design and their use in music. The lute, emblem of classical and baroque music, is a solo and accompaniment instrument with a refined sound. The mandolin, for its part, stands out for its versatility and its ability to adapt to different musical genres, from classical to popular.

Whether you are an amateur or professional musician, the choice between the lute and the mandolin will depend on your personal tastes, your musical style and your technical level. In all cases, these two instruments offer unique sounds that will delight music lovers looking for authenticity and emotion.