Writings on 'Music'
Obbligato bass instruments in 17th century Italian instrumental chamber music
Today, it’s practically a given that the continuo part in 17th century Italian instrumental chamber music will be doubled by a bowed bass (or other bass) instrument. Is there any evidence to support this practise?
In 17th century Italian music, the continuo instrument is often unspecified, but where it is specified (for example in the books of Castello) it is the organ, and where another instrument is suggested it is the harpsichord, or spinetta.
Whilst I don’t think it sounds bad to have …
Open historical music blog
I’m in the process of planning a website where people can freely share knowledge and musings on all aspects of historical performance. All would be welcome to contribute and all articles free to access for all.
Articles don’t have to be as strictly written as for say a masters, PHD etc and ‘musings’ or thoughts on whatever floats your boat – as long as it relates to historical performance – would be welcome. Articles would also be freely commented upon by …
An 18th century theorbo
Choosing the right continuo instrument for the job is something that I have spent a large amount of time thinking about and a revelation about a (relatively) new theorbo has prompted me to write down some of my thoughts and observations about this very subject.
The first lute I owned was a 13 course ‘baroque’ lute in d minor tuning. As it was the only instrument I had in the beginning, I learnt to play both solo repertoire and continuo on …
‘The best way of play’
Around 13 years ago after my end-of-year recital as a student studying classical guitar in Dublin I ceremoniously cut off the fingernails on my right hand. I had decided to become a lutenist! I preferred the music, there was more of it and the possibility of far more social music making made my choice an easy one.
Approximately 5 years ago, I decided let the nails on my right hand grow. Was I intending to take up the guitar once more …
Non-interpretation of baroque music
Something I’ve been thinking about for some time is the aspect of interpretation in baroque music. Todays big stars are conductors, directors, singers and musicians – all interpreters of baroque music. But how different this is to the 18th century! There were singers and musicians who were stars of course, but the famous directors of the 18th century also wrote and performed their own music. They didn’t have to ‘interpret’ it, they just played it!
With today’s famous directors and conductors …
Everything you’ve always wanted to know about the theorbo but were afraid to ask
As a theorbo player I get asked lots of questions about my instrument.
Questions like:
What is it?
Where does it come from?
How many strings does it have?
Do you play all of them?
How is it tuned?
Why is it so long?
How, exactly, do you play it?
Was it a usual member of a baroque orchestra?
Do you ever wish you played the flute?
I do try to answer all these questions as I get asked, but for those of you who didn’t get a chance to ask, …
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