What type of music does the lute play?

The lute, this plucked string instrument with ancestral origins, has spanned the centuries and undergone various evolutions. But what type of music is played on this emblematic instrument of the Renaissance and Baroque era? In this article, we invite you to discover the different musical facets of lute and the styles he helped create. We will also discuss the history of this instrument, as well as the lutenists who marked their era.

Renaissance lute: a polyphonic instrument

THE Renaissance lute appeared at XVIth century in Italy, before quickly conquering all of Europe. This instrument plucked strings is characterized by its half-pear shape and its soundboard in wood. Featuring a long sleeve and a soundboard decorated with rosettes, it is equipped with several choirs of strings, generally six in number.

The repertoire of lute music during the Renaissance is very rich and varied. It is composed of instrumental pieces, polyphonic songs and dances. Lutenists often play arrangements of vocal or instrumental works written for other instruments, thereby adapting the repertoire to their own instrument. Among the most famous composers of this era, we can cite John Dowland, an English musician whose compositions for lute have spanned the centuries.

During the Renaissance, the lute was considered the ideal instrument to accompany the human voice. Many backing vocals thus integrate lutenists to support the melody of the songs. The lute is also used in instrumental ensembles, notably in consorts viols, which combine several stringed instruments of different sizes.

Baroque lute: a solo instrument

At Seventeenth century, the lute underwent a major evolution with the appearance of the baroque lute. This instrument differs from its predecessor by the addition of additional strings, which bring the total number of choruses to ten or eleven. The baroque lute also has a larger and deeper sound box, giving it a more powerful sound.

THE directory of the baroque lute is essentially made up of solo pieces, which highlight the virtuosity of the instrumentalist. Baroque-era lutenists mastered a wide range of playing techniques, from arpeggiated chords to fast, ornate melodies. Among the most emblematic composers of this period, we can cite the Frenchman Robert de Visée, who composed numerous suites for lute and theorbo.

The baroque lute is also used in chamber music, particularly in trio sonatas and the cantatas. Lutenists often play the role of continuo players, that is to say they provide the harmonic accompaniment part by making chords from a figured bass. This practice, very widespread in the Baroque period, makes it possible to vary the sound textures and support the melodies of other instruments.

The theorbo: a lute with an extended range

THE theorbo is a type of lute that appeared at the end of the XVIth century in Italy. This instrument is characterized by its large size and its long neck, on which additional bass strings are attached. The theorbo has a wide range, allowing it to play deep bass and bright high notes.

The theorbo’s repertoire is mainly made up of solo pieces, which exploit the harmonic richness of the instrument. Baroque composers often wrote suites for theorbo, which connect several dances of various characters. Among the most famous works are the theorbo suites by the Italian Alessandro Piccinini, which are still frequently performed today.

The theorbo was also a very popular accompaniment instrument in the Baroque era. It is often used in operas and the oratorios to support the singers’ voices. Theorbist lutenists also play chamber music, in duets with other string or wind instruments. The warm and deep timbre of the theorbo brings an additional dimension to these formations, enriching the sound fabric of the whole.

The lute in classical and contemporary music

If the lute is inseparable from the music of the Renaissance and the Baroque era, it has not disappeared. At Eighteenth century, the instrument is experiencing a certain decline, faced with the rise in power of classical guitar. However, some composers, such as Johann Sebastian Bach and Silvius Leopold Weiss, continue to write works for lute.

THE Twentieth century marks the renewal of interest in the lute, thanks to the rediscovery of ancient music and the creation of the French lute society. Modern lutenists, such as Julian Bream and Hopkinson Smith, helped to popularize the instrument and enrich the contemporary repertoire. Today, the lute is appreciated for its intimate sound and expressive possibilities, which distinguish it from other plucked instruments.

In conclusion, the lute is an instrument with a rich musical heritage, which has inspired many composers throughout the centuries. From the Renaissance lute to the Baroque lute, including the theorbo, this versatile instrument has been able to adapt to different styles and developments of music. Even today, the lute continues to fascinate with its unique tone and its ability to evoke the sounds of the past.