Instruments

As a continuo specialist, one of my main interests is the variety of lutes which were used in different places at different times. I have examined many of the surviving historical continuo lutes, and my own collection of instruments includes copies and reconstructions of several different types, which I can offer in my own lecture recitals, concerts and recordings. The choice of the right kind (or at least an appropriate kind) of continuo lute can transform the sound of an ensemble and also radically affect what one plays within it. Obviously today some compromise is often necessary: if a concert includes music by Monteverdi, Purcell, Charpentier and Telemann, it would be impracticable to take along four different continuo lutes. However, an awareness of what different composers would have expected or had available, and of what the different types of continuo lute can do, can dramatically influence the way in which one plays, and is an important aspect of the modern continuo player's education.

Large Italian theorbo

French continuo theorbo

French solo theorbo, or 'théorbe de pièces'

English theorbo

Gallizona, also called mandora, gallichon, colachon, calchedono

German baroque lute

Renaissance lutes

Baroque guitars

Baroque mandolin

Romantic guitar

The 'Wagner' lute