Lute for sale
This is a nine-course lute based on one of the
best surviving lutes - the seven-course lute by Wendelio Venere of
Padua dated 1582, now in Vienna. I made this lute in 2003.
It has been well looked after by its original owner, and is
in
perfect condition. Like the original Venere lute, the back is
made from yew - these days a rare and costly timber for which I usually
charge a premium which is not reflected in the asking price for this
particular lute: £4000, including velvet-lined Kingham case.
What does it sound like? Here is the last section of a pavan by Robert
Johnson (ML lute book, f.31v.-32). The notation of this piece
suggests that the original was for nine courses, adapted by the scribe
for ten. Listen out for the 21st century hailstorm!
It is strung in Nylgut and copperwound strings, and would of course
sound even better in gut, if we ever again get the chance to use it!
The string length is 66.8cm and it can be tuned to F (or E)
at
modern pitch (though I tend to think of it as G at a'=392).
The
first course can be strung single or double, as preferred.
The nine-course lute has a distinguished history and repertoire.
Published music includes Franscique (Paris, 1600), Besard
(Cologne, 1603), John Dowland (London, 1604), Robert Dowland (1610),
Mertel (Strasbourg, 1615), and Vallet (Amsterdam, 1615).
Many manuscripts include music for nine courses, including
several of the Cambridge manuscripts, Schele (Hamburg,
1619), the
Board lute book (c.1620), the ML lute book (c.1615?), the Herbert of
Cherbury lute book (c.1630?) and many others. Composers
include
such luminaries as Daniel Batchelar and Robert Johnson.
All enquiries should be directed to me at: martin@luteshop.co.uk
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