Lute Facts
The lute is a plucked string instrument with a long neck bearing frets. The instrument is characterized by a rounded body and a flat front that is shaped somewhat like a halved egg. Lutes have been used in a great variety of instrumental music from the Medieval to the late Baroque eras. Indeed, they were the most important instrument for secular music during the Renaissance.
Lutes have been popular in Europe since the 13th century, though the earliest surviving compositions date from the late 15th century. Many composers published collections of their music during the 16th and 17th centuries. Sadly, much of the music is still lost. In the second half of the 17th century, lutes and similar stringed instruments declined in popularity. Very little music was written for the instrument after 1750. It wasn’t until the second half of the 20th century that music historians prompted a renewed interest in lute music.
More Lute Facts
Fun Fact
A person who performs on this string instrument is called a lutenist.
Notable lutenists include Peter Croton, John Dowland, Jacques Gallot, Joachim Held, Hubert Hoffmann, Lutz Kirchhof, Nigel North, Valéry Sauvage, and Christopher Wilson.
China Wind Classical Lute
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Listen to the Lute
Performed by Valéry Sauvage
Accomplished string musician Valéry Sauvage plays the timeless classic “Greensleeves” on an instrument constructed by Stephen Murphy. Initially he plays the anonymous version from William Ballet’s Lute Book (late 16th or early 17th century). Valéry believes this to be the first known version for solo lute of “Greensleeves.” He segues into a version by Renaissance period composer and lutenist Francis Cutting, then back to the first version. Visit his YouTube channel, Luthval.
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We’ve created more than 2,000 products for string instrument players and music lovers. Find a unique gift for your favorite lute player or enthusiast. Beware of inferior copycats! Our original designs are available here and in our String Kings Music Lute collection.
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Roosebeck Tenor Lute-Kulele Ukulele
Product details:
- Design is based upon the Renaissance Lute which was prevalent in Europe in the 16th and 17th century
- Back is made in the traditional manner of lute making, with alternating staves of walnut and lacewood (Platanus orientalus)
- Neck and pegbox are solid walnut
- The second (E) and third (C) strings are doubled providing a rich full and balanced tone
- Ideally suited for classical and fingerstyle music
- European spruce soundboard
- Features the famous Leonardo Knot rosette, a favorite of Renaissance lute makers
- One of the sweetest sounding ukuleles in the Roosebeck collection
Roosebeck Tenor Lute-Kulele Ukulele Variegated – WalnutBack is Crafted With Alternating Staves of Walnut and Lacewood
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Roosebeck 8-Course Lute Strings RBSLT8 – Traditional Renaissance Tuning Recommended for this SetFirst Coffee Then Lute Baroque Music Lover Musician Lutenist Cotton T-Shirt – Lute Player HumorI’m Only In It for The Lute – Funny Lute Player Cotton T-Shirt- Baroque and Medieval Instrument HumorBerkin Arts Leonardo Da Vinci Stretched Giclee Print On Canvas – Angel in Red with Lute – 7.4 x 15 inches
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