Dear Lex,
My observations were withing the context of songs with an independent
basso part in addition to the guitar alfabeto, such as the Marini 1622
collection. Clearly, if only the alfabeto were present then I'd
generally expect only the guitar. I'd be very grateful if you'd read
my postings with more care - it might save us both a lot of time!
And yes, I do think that where an independent basso part is present and
the guitar is strumming chords then the bass line is best played by
another instrument: bowed bass, theorbo (just solo line?) or other. The
alternative which you appear to be suggesting is that we dispense with
the written bass line altogether if the guitar strums chords. Are you
really sure this is what the various other people you mention really
believe? - I very much doubt it. And. more to the point - is it really
what you believe?
regards
Martyn
--- On Tue, 26/4/11, Lex Eisenhardt <eisenha...@planet.nl> wrote:
From: Lex Eisenhardt <eisenha...@planet.nl>
Subject: [VIHUELA] Re: Composition of short songs in early 17th
century Italy - was Marini - was Grenerin
To: "Martyn Hodgson" <hodgsonmar...@yahoo.co.uk>
Cc: "Vihuelalist" <vihuela@cs.dartmouth.edu>
Date: Tuesday, 26 April, 2011, 11:23
> Incidentally, I'm not suggesting bowed bass for the songs if the
theorbo is present - only if the guitar is used without the theorbo.
And if the guitar and theorbo were both present then the theorbo need
only play the bass line - a mode which is documented. Indeed to avoid
too much plucking I would certainly favour a single line plucked bass
if the guitar was present
It seems you prefer ensemble performance with a separate bass, if a
guitar would be involved. There is a wealth of information from pre
1600 to c 1650 time testifying of singing to the guitar. And where can
we read (see) about singing to the guitar + bowed bass or guitar +
theorbo? (Please note that I don't say 'never' or 'impossible'.)
As I understand from reading what others have said about the use of
bowed string in basso continuo, for example Borgir, O'Dette + Ashworth,
Sayce, I have the impression that they have not found much either,
regarding combinations with the guitar. It seems bowed bass was mainly
used in certain other genres.
best, Lex
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