Robin Rolfhamre

French Baroque Lute Music from 1650-1700: a Study of the Art of Playing the Lute Robin Rolfhamre

For a long time musicians all over Europe has shown an interest in French lute music because of the certain melancholy and expressiveness it presents. Yet, the literature on the performance of French baroque lute music is limited, and it appears to be an art form in need of more research in order to fully discover its qualities. This book aims to shed light on the performance of French baroque lute music from the period 1650 to 1700, and tries to unveil the interpretation and aesthetics of the lute music of Charles Mouton, Jacques Gallot, Ennemond Gaultier and Denis Gaultier and Phillip Franz LeSage de Richée. The book start by giving an overview of the music in general in France, and then performance and performance praxis according to historical sources, is treated. Finally, a presentation of possible interpretation of selected pieces by the main lutenists and lute composers of the time: Mouton, Gallot, E. and D. Gaultier and LeSage de Richée. This book may serve as starting point for further research and can also be interesting literature both for musicians and for all who show interest in baroque music.