[LUTE] Re: Typesetting scores (was Re: Le Cocq - scores)
Hi Rocky Long time no see, great to hear you're playing. I have used Finale for years (for music notation and tabs) and it .. I also have created custom fonts to make some notation challenges easier. I'm a heavy Finale user too, including tabs, especially since that has become a lot easier with the latest versions. Can you elaborate on the fonts? I'm on WinFin2K8. How do others prefer preparing their scores? As clear as possible, with carefully planned page turns, in the notation (French/Italian tab/staff notation, still no German tab I'm sorry to say) of the original, but adapted to my liking. So in 16th century polyphony I often leave out the barlines. In some complex music I prefer taff notation even if the original is in tabs. In tabs I prefer 'modernized' note values in the rhythm staff (I don't use Finale's tab rhythm but make a seperate staff, no staff lines, no barlines, reduced in size). In French tab I still often use a broad tipped pen instead of Finale. In cyphers as well as rhythm it makes a prettier picture to play from. In short, everything to aid sight reading and make musical content clear. As little fingering as possible. David To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[LUTE] Re: Theorbo in G?
gm not nearly as bad as it seems on an A theorbo. Peri also wrote a lot in g and G maj. and his pieces work well too. Even F is okay once you figure out how to stay away from the Bb barr chord on the first fret. Reentrant tuning helps . R. From: Ed Durbrow [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Sat 1/26/2008 10:29 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; LuteNet list Subject: [LUTE] Re: Theorbo in G? But look at how many pieces are in the key of F for a nominal G Renaissance lute. I would expect something close to the same proportions transposed up a tone for a theorbo in A. cheers, On Jan 16, 2008, at 2:07 AM, Rob wrote: I have a theorbo being made now by Malcolm Prior for delivery by the end of February. Very much looking forward to it as I haven't played a theorbo in ten years or more. It is an 84cms Koch model, Italian tuning. Now, I've been looking at the song repertoire by Giulio and Francesca Caccini, a repertoire ideally suited to theorbo accompaniment. Giulio played it, and his daughter possibly played it - she was respected as a lute player, although the type of lute was never specified. At least in Giulio's music one might expect 'theorbo keys' - Am, Dm, A, D. Here are the keys from his 1614 edition (the only one I have to hand): G or Gm / / / / / D or Dm A or Am /// F / // E / And Francesca's (from 'Il primo libro delle musiche' 1618 - Indiana University Press) G or Gm / / Am // F /// Bb / C / So, a very high percentage based on G. All the keys are obviously possible on a theorbo in A, but I wonder if their theorbo was in G. I imagine someone (or more than one) has done research into this, and it would be interesting to read their findings. I've also noticed that a few theorbo recordings are on a theorbo in G, both solo and continuo. Is it common among modern players? I imagine G would be an easier transition for Renaissance players who think in G more easily than A. I'm planning on having it tuned in A, with A=440, but I'm interested in what others are doing, and general thoughts pro and contra any particular tuning. Rob www.rmguitar.info -- To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html Ed Durbrow Saitama, Japan [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www9.plala.or.jp/edurbrow/ --
[LUTE] Re: [**spam**] Ukrainian lutes
Beautiful! Thanks, Roman. c. Roman Turovsky [EMAIL PROTECTED] 1/26/2008 6:14 pm Eduard Drach (I have adapted a few of his songs for 13c) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O31counI83Q RT To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[LUTE] Re: Picardy puzzle
The facsimiles: Six suites for cello: http://wimmercello.com/bachms.html Suites for lute: http://alan.melvin.com/manuscripts.htm Rafael Garcia Borges To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html Abra sua conta no Yahoo! Mail, o =C3onico sem limite de espa=C3=A7o para armazenamento! http://br.mail.yahoo.com/ --
[LUTE] Re: arm pain
Any experience of this? Yes. I feel your pain! My left arm has been going progressively numb for the last three weeks. I went to the orthopedic hospital on Friday. They say I have a narrow space between vertebrae in my neck. That has been causing pain in my right arm and upper quadrant of my back for a year or so. Every time something new happens to my hands or arms I think it might be the one that will make me stop playing. If this numbness keeps progressing at this rate, I won't be able to play in a month. I'm hoping it will be like most things in the past and I'll just go through this but still be able to play. These are the times I kick myself for not recording some piece or other when it was at it's peak, you know? I work up a piece but don't record it because I know it could be better, but then something else comes along and my interest shifts and before I know it the other piece has slid down the bell curve and is not as close as it was to peak condition and slipping ever away. I certainly wish you a speedy recovery, Rob. On Jan 27, 2008, at 5:56 AM, Rob wrote: Bad news. I'm typing with one hand only as I seem to have a problem with my left. For the past five days I've had muscular pain in my upper left arm. I thought I must have knocked it, but couldn't remember doing so. I did teach a percussion class last Monday, but hardly used my left arm at all. Anyway, I could still play the lute - no problem with fingers, tendons, carpal tunnels, etc. I thought the pain would pass. But it hasn't. In fact, today it has got a lot worse. I nearly crashed the car because I suddenly lost the use of the left arm. Luckily I was close to home. Later I picked up a book and dropped it immediately - the pain was too much. So, I'm really worried. I can still wiggle my fingers - no problem at all there - but I can't drive, or lift my instrument with the left arm. I'm still hopeful it will all disappear tomorrow, but I plan to go to hospital emergency if it doesn't. Every movement is painful, but it still feels like a muscular problem. Any experience of this? Ed Durbrow Saitama, Japan [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www9.plala.or.jp/edurbrow/ -- To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[LUTE] Re: arm pain
Won't be able to play in a month?! Good luck, Ed! Take care. Rob www.rmguitar.info -Original Message- From: Ed Durbrow [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: 27 January 2008 15:52 To: LuteNet list; Rob MacKillop Subject: [LUTE] Re: arm pain Any experience of this? Yes. I feel your pain! My left arm has been going progressively numb for the last three weeks. I went to the orthopedic hospital on Friday. They say I have a narrow space between vertebrae in my neck. That has been causing pain in my right arm and upper quadrant of my back for a year or so. Every time something new happens to my hands or arms I think it might be the one that will make me stop playing. If this numbness keeps progressing at this rate, I won't be able to play in a month. I'm hoping it will be like most things in the past and I'll just go through this but still be able to play. These are the times I kick myself for not recording some piece or other when it was at it's peak, you know? I work up a piece but don't record it because I know it could be better, but then something else comes along and my interest shifts and before I know it the other piece has slid down the bell curve and is not as close as it was to peak condition and slipping ever away. I certainly wish you a speedy recovery, Rob. On Jan 27, 2008, at 5:56 AM, Rob wrote: Bad news. I'm typing with one hand only as I seem to have a problem with my left. For the past five days I've had muscular pain in my upper left arm. I thought I must have knocked it, but couldn't remember doing so. I did teach a percussion class last Monday, but hardly used my left arm at all. Anyway, I could still play the lute - no problem with fingers, tendons, carpal tunnels, etc. I thought the pain would pass. But it hasn't. In fact, today it has got a lot worse. I nearly crashed the car because I suddenly lost the use of the left arm. Luckily I was close to home. Later I picked up a book and dropped it immediately - the pain was too much. So, I'm really worried. I can still wiggle my fingers - no problem at all there - but I can't drive, or lift my instrument with the left arm. I'm still hopeful it will all disappear tomorrow, but I plan to go to hospital emergency if it doesn't. Every movement is painful, but it still feels like a muscular problem. Any experience of this? Ed Durbrow Saitama, Japan [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www9.plala.or.jp/edurbrow/ -- To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[LUTE] Re: arm pain
Rob: I have had carpal tunnel surgery and shoulder surgery. But before you do anything do yourself and all of us a favor. Go to a doctor and have an emg done as well as an ekg. Left arm problems often are indicative of heart issues that can render the other problems moot. It's better to be safe than sorry. I know when they triaged me for my carpal syndrome surgery the emg extended up the neck so I assume the problems can radiate from there. - Original Message - From: Rob [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: 'Ed Durbrow' [EMAIL PROTECTED]; 'LuteNet list' lute@cs.dartmouth.edu Sent: Sunday, January 27, 2008 11:34 AM Subject: [LUTE] Re: arm pain Won't be able to play in a month?! Good luck, Ed! Take care. Rob www.rmguitar.info -Original Message- From: Ed Durbrow [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: 27 January 2008 15:52 To: LuteNet list; Rob MacKillop Subject: [LUTE] Re: arm pain Any experience of this? Yes. I feel your pain! My left arm has been going progressively numb for the last three weeks. I went to the orthopedic hospital on Friday. They say I have a narrow space between vertebrae in my neck. That has been causing pain in my right arm and upper quadrant of my back for a year or so. Every time something new happens to my hands or arms I think it might be the one that will make me stop playing. If this numbness keeps progressing at this rate, I won't be able to play in a month. I'm hoping it will be like most things in the past and I'll just go through this but still be able to play. These are the times I kick myself for not recording some piece or other when it was at it's peak, you know? I work up a piece but don't record it because I know it could be better, but then something else comes along and my interest shifts and before I know it the other piece has slid down the bell curve and is not as close as it was to peak condition and slipping ever away. I certainly wish you a speedy recovery, Rob. On Jan 27, 2008, at 5:56 AM, Rob wrote: Bad news. I'm typing with one hand only as I seem to have a problem with my left. For the past five days I've had muscular pain in my upper left arm. I thought I must have knocked it, but couldn't remember doing so. I did teach a percussion class last Monday, but hardly used my left arm at all. Anyway, I could still play the lute - no problem with fingers, tendons, carpal tunnels, etc. I thought the pain would pass. But it hasn't. In fact, today it has got a lot worse. I nearly crashed the car because I suddenly lost the use of the left arm. Luckily I was close to home. Later I picked up a book and dropped it immediately - the pain was too much. So, I'm really worried. I can still wiggle my fingers - no problem at all there - but I can't drive, or lift my instrument with the left arm. I'm still hopeful it will all disappear tomorrow, but I plan to go to hospital emergency if it doesn't. Every movement is painful, but it still feels like a muscular problem. Any experience of this? Ed Durbrow Saitama, Japan [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www9.plala.or.jp/edurbrow/ -- To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html -- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.19.12/1245 - Release Date: 1/26/2008 3:45 PM
[LUTE] cold hands
I wonder whether the historical Italian lutenists had a significant advantage in their warm climate over the northern Europeans who, with their cold climate and crude heating systems, may have often had cold hands. To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[LUTE] Stringing
As far as I can see, Louis Pernot has the strings of his lute strung in the normal order, i.e. with the bass of each course nearer the ceiling. However, the lowest courses are spaced at the nut in such a way that the gap between the strings of each course is greater than the gap between courses. That makes it look as if he has strung those courses the wrong way round. The spacing of the highest courses seems to be more conventional. It is less important to have the spacing in the bass the same as the treble, because you normally play bass courses in isolation, e.g. if you play a note on the 9th course, it will be unlikely that you will need to play a note simultaneously at the 8th or 10th course. That means there will be no harm to the music if your left-hand finger snags up an adjacent string. Best wishes, Stewart McCoy. - Original Message - From: Ed Durbrow [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: G. Crona [EMAIL PROTECTED]; LuteNet list lute@cs.dartmouth.edu Sent: Sunday, January 27, 2008 3:25 AM Subject: [LUTE] Re: Stringing On Jan 27, 2008, at 2:07 AM, G. Crona wrote: Look at the way the stringing is done on this one, with the thinner course above the thicker one. Is this the norm? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2cO5QOqqWqw No. Ed Durbrow Saitama, Japan [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www9.plala.or.jp/edurbrow/ To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[LUTE] Re: Stringing
There are couple of nice photos of the stringing on Louis Pernot homepage: http://louispernot.com/Fr/index.html http://louispernot.com/Fr/Photos/DemiRosl.jpg http://louispernot.com/Fr/Photos/Cordl.jpg Ronny - Original Message - From: Stewart McCoy [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: lute Net lute@cs.dartmouth.edu Sent: Sunday, January 27, 2008 10:12 PM Subject: [LUTE] Stringing As far as I can see, Louis Pernot has the strings of his lute strung in the normal order, i.e. with the bass of each course nearer the ceiling. However, the lowest courses are spaced at the nut in such a way that the gap between the strings of each course is greater than the gap between courses. That makes it look as if he has strung those courses the wrong way round. The spacing of the highest courses seems to be more conventional. It is less important to have the spacing in the bass the same as the treble, because you normally play bass courses in isolation, e.g. if you play a note on the 9th course, it will be unlikely that you will need to play a note simultaneously at the 8th or 10th course. That means there will be no harm to the music if your left-hand finger snags up an adjacent string. Best wishes, Stewart McCoy. - Original Message - From: Ed Durbrow [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: G. Crona [EMAIL PROTECTED]; LuteNet list lute@cs.dartmouth.edu Sent: Sunday, January 27, 2008 3:25 AM Subject: [LUTE] Re: Stringing On Jan 27, 2008, at 2:07 AM, G. Crona wrote: Look at the way the stringing is done on this one, with the thinner course above the thicker one. Is this the norm? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2cO5QOqqWqw No. Ed Durbrow Saitama, Japan [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www9.plala.or.jp/edurbrow/ To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[LUTE] Re: arm pain
wish you guys well. Any experience of this? Yes. I feel your pain! My left arm has been going progressively numb for the last three weeks. I went to the orthopedic hospital on Friday. They say I have a narrow space between vertebrae in my neck. That has been causing pain in my right arm and upper quadrant of my back for a year or so. Every time something new happens to my hands or arms I think it might be the one that will make me stop playing. If this numbness keeps progressing at this rate, I won't be able to play in a month. I'm hoping it will be like most things in the past and I'll just go through this but still be able to play. These are the times I kick myself for not recording some piece or other when it was at it's peak, you know? I work up a piece but don't record it because I know it could be better, but then something else comes along and my interest shifts and before I know it the other piece has slid down the bell curve and is not as close as it was to peak condition and slipping ever away. I certainly wish you a speedy recovery, Rob. On Jan 27, 2008, at 5:56 AM, Rob wrote: Bad news. I'm typing with one hand only as I seem to have a problem with my left. For the past five days I've had muscular pain in my upper left arm. I thought I must have knocked it, but couldn't remember doing so. I did teach a percussion class last Monday, but hardly used my left arm at all. Anyway, I could still play the lute - no problem with fingers, tendons, carpal tunnels, etc. I thought the pain would pass. But it hasn't. In fact, today it has got a lot worse. I nearly crashed the car because I suddenly lost the use of the left arm. Luckily I was close to home. Later I picked up a book and dropped it immediately - the pain was too much. So, I'm really worried. I can still wiggle my fingers - no problem at all there - but I can't drive, or lift my instrument with the left arm. I'm still hopeful it will all disappear tomorrow, but I plan to go to hospital emergency if it doesn't. Every movement is painful, but it still feels like a muscular problem. Any experience of this? Ed Durbrow Saitama, Japan [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www9.plala.or.jp/edurbrow/ -- To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html -- NeoMail - http://neomail.sourceforge.net
[LUTE] Re: Stringing
Thanks for the elucidation, as Sean also pointed out to me. I thought it looked strange, but the YT-clip (as well as the sound) confused me. Pernot seems to know what he is doing. Impressive right hand! G. - Original Message - From: Ronny Andersson [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: lute Net lute@cs.dartmouth.edu; Stewart McCoy [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Sunday, January 27, 2008 10:29 PM Subject: [LUTE] Re: Stringing There are couple of nice photos of the stringing on Louis Pernot homepage: http://louispernot.com/Fr/index.html http://louispernot.com/Fr/Photos/DemiRosl.jpg http://louispernot.com/Fr/Photos/Cordl.jpg Ronny - Original Message - From: Stewart McCoy [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: lute Net lute@cs.dartmouth.edu Sent: Sunday, January 27, 2008 10:12 PM Subject: [LUTE] Stringing As far as I can see, Louis Pernot has the strings of his lute strung in the normal order, i.e. with the bass of each course nearer the ceiling. However, the lowest courses are spaced at the nut in such a way that the gap between the strings of each course is greater than the gap between courses. That makes it look as if he has strung those courses the wrong way round. The spacing of the highest courses seems to be more conventional. It is less important to have the spacing in the bass the same as the treble, because you normally play bass courses in isolation, e.g. if you play a note on the 9th course, it will be unlikely that you will need to play a note simultaneously at the 8th or 10th course. That means there will be no harm to the music if your left-hand finger snags up an adjacent string. Best wishes, Stewart McCoy. - Original Message - From: Ed Durbrow [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: G. Crona [EMAIL PROTECTED]; LuteNet list lute@cs.dartmouth.edu Sent: Sunday, January 27, 2008 3:25 AM Subject: [LUTE] Re: Stringing On Jan 27, 2008, at 2:07 AM, G. Crona wrote: Look at the way the stringing is done on this one, with the thinner course above the thicker one. Is this the norm? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2cO5QOqqWqw No. Ed Durbrow Saitama, Japan [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www9.plala.or.jp/edurbrow/ To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[LUTE] Re: Stringing
But also look at the second picture from the bottom here: http://louispernot.com/Fr/PerrineE.html Anyone could get confused! G. - Original Message - From: Ronny Andersson [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: lute Net lute@cs.dartmouth.edu; Stewart McCoy [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Sunday, January 27, 2008 10:29 PM Subject: [LUTE] Re: Stringing There are couple of nice photos of the stringing on Louis Pernot homepage: http://louispernot.com/Fr/index.html http://louispernot.com/Fr/Photos/DemiRosl.jpg http://louispernot.com/Fr/Photos/Cordl.jpg Ronny - Original Message - From: Stewart McCoy [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: lute Net lute@cs.dartmouth.edu Sent: Sunday, January 27, 2008 10:12 PM Subject: [LUTE] Stringing As far as I can see, Louis Pernot has the strings of his lute strung in the normal order, i.e. with the bass of each course nearer the ceiling. However, the lowest courses are spaced at the nut in such a way that the gap between the strings of each course is greater than the gap between courses. That makes it look as if he has strung those courses the wrong way round. The spacing of the highest courses seems to be more conventional. It is less important to have the spacing in the bass the same as the treble, because you normally play bass courses in isolation, e.g. if you play a note on the 9th course, it will be unlikely that you will need to play a note simultaneously at the 8th or 10th course. That means there will be no harm to the music if your left-hand finger snags up an adjacent string. Best wishes, Stewart McCoy. To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[LUTE] Re: Stringing
I understand what he is doing. When using gut basses (I do), often the larger diameter gut bass as compared to a smaller wound string in equivalent tension, I have changed some of the string positions, because if the fundamental and its octave are close, the 2 strings, might collide, making for a weird buzzing sound. So, if I push the octave closer to the next fundamental, the buzz goes away. No, he is not inverting the fundamentals with the octaves. ed At 12:31 AM 1/28/2008 +0100, G. Crona wrote: But also look at the second picture from the bottom here: http://louispernot.com/Fr/PerrineE.html Anyone could get confused! G. - Original Message - From: Ronny Andersson [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: lute Net lute@cs.dartmouth.edu; Stewart McCoy [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Sunday, January 27, 2008 10:29 PM Subject: [LUTE] Re: Stringing There are couple of nice photos of the stringing on Louis Pernot homepage: http://louispernot.com/Fr/index.html http://louispernot.com/Fr/Photos/DemiRosl.jpg http://louispernot.com/Fr/Photos/Cordl.jpg Ronny - Original Message - From: Stewart McCoy [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: lute Net lute@cs.dartmouth.edu Sent: Sunday, January 27, 2008 10:12 PM Subject: [LUTE] Stringing As far as I can see, Louis Pernot has the strings of his lute strung in the normal order, i.e. with the bass of each course nearer the ceiling. However, the lowest courses are spaced at the nut in such a way that the gap between the strings of each course is greater than the gap between courses. That makes it look as if he has strung those courses the wrong way round. The spacing of the highest courses seems to be more conventional. It is less important to have the spacing in the bass the same as the treble, because you normally play bass courses in isolation, e.g. if you play a note on the 9th course, it will be unlikely that you will need to play a note simultaneously at the 8th or 10th course. That means there will be no harm to the music if your left-hand finger snags up an adjacent string. Best wishes, Stewart McCoy. To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html -- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.19.12/1245 - Release Date: 1/26/2008 3:45 PM Edward Martin 2817 East 2nd Street Duluth, Minnesota 55812 e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] voice: (218) 728-1202
[LUTE] Theorbo in G? Plus some guidelines
You can ALWAYS change the strings on a theorbo, shortening the neck, etc big problem. Make sure you have enough pegs and holes and grooves to string it and tune it anyway you want! Guidelines (highly subjective, of course) It should fall between these very general guidelines String length 77-82 cm, 80 is very safe if you change your mind Holes grooves 6+8, 7+7, 8+6 ( I use 15c but 14 is enough if you don't play a lot of Bach Handel) Weight 1.3 KG (2.9 lbs) for my 82cm Holst Don't go over 1.5 kg unless you need the exercise. Balance point at the seventh fret. It should balance. You have to decide, are you going to play this thing for hours at a time? Caude if so, you don't want a Cricket Bat or a Louisville Slugger, believe me. If it weighs more than 1.5 kg, where is the extra weight coming from? Perhaps the neck has a music desk inside :) The balance point gives you a good idea of where the xtra weight is, if any, as well as the overall experience of crafting a design. DECIDING BETWEEN G AND A There are several ways to look at this, but for me it boils down to mileage. Remember you need to learn both tunings anyaway. 1. Ask two people who have played 5,000 pieces and 50 operas. You might not get the same answer, but it will give you enough to go on. For me, it is 65/35 g/a, but I use the G 80 percent of the time. But not all the time. OR 2. Play the 50 operas, half on one, half on the other. NB Don't get an 84 cm instrument unless you have some smaller ones as well. You can't tune it in single reentrant, which is a huge negative. Anything over 82 is a specialty instrument, for people with huge hands, or for people who only play in very high positions (which of course creates other problems). If you have doubts, borrow a 72cm Laux Maler, play lute solos on it, then tape two fingers together and try it again. Other notes: 1. it isn't the key as much as the excursions. It isn't where it starts; it's where it goes. It isn't the key, it's the range. If the bass note is F above middle C, how do you play the A and C above it? 2. If you play in A, double reentrant, you are MUCH more likely to make more voice leading mistakes. The two biggies are bass crossings and parallels. Some people will notice this; some people won't. Most conductors will. Caccini: you are looking at a small sample, but the thing to remember is that you are using a fixed pitch reference instead of a moveable one. Lute songs are different. You can look at the A minor and play it in G minor on a lute a tone higher and it will come out the same pitch. And so on. But even in that small sample, I would start with a G instrument, and the picture is similar for other composers as well. If you are playing a Handel opera it is a different picture--you might be limited in how often you can change instruments, although for recording purposes, people do just that. If you are still unsure, take an piece you wan't to learn, and write it out in BOTH tunings. Really look at voice crossings, parallels, and so no. If you don't have a theorbo just restring a guitar. Put it into tab, have a few people play it for and listen to the effect. Play it again and see how it feels. dt At 07:29 PM 1/26/2008, you wrote: But look at how many pieces are in the key of F for a nominal G Renaissance lute. I would expect something close to the same proportions transposed up a tone for a theorbo in A. cheers, On Jan 16, 2008, at 2:07 AM, Rob wrote: I have a theorbo being made now by Malcolm Prior for delivery by the end of February. Very much looking forward to it as I haven't played a theorbo in ten years or more. It is an 84cms Koch model, Italian tuning. Now, I've been looking at the song repertoire by Giulio and Francesca Caccini, a repertoire ideally suited to theorbo accompaniment. Giulio played it, and his daughter possibly played it - she was respected as a lute player, although the type of lute was never specified. At least in Giulio's music one might expect 'theorbo keys' - Am, Dm, A, D. Here are the keys from his 1614 edition (the only one I have to hand): G or Gm / / / / / D or Dm A or Am /// F / // E / And Francesca's (from 'Il primo libro delle musiche' 1618 - Indiana University Press) G or Gm / / Am // F /// Bb / C / So, a very high percentage based on G. All the keys are obviously possible on a theorbo in A, but I wonder if their theorbo was in G. I imagine someone (or more than one) has done research into this, and it would be interesting to read their findings. I've also noticed that a few theorbo recordings are on a theorbo in G, both solo and continuo. Is it common among modern players? I imagine G would be an easier transition for Renaissance players who think in G more easily than A. I'm planning on having it tuned in A, with A=440, but I'm interested in what others are doing, and general thoughts pro and contra any particular tuning. Rob
