Modern Music for Theorbo

To complement the information provided for composers wishing to write for the theorbo, here is a selection of contemporary works which include the instrument. More works and further information, links, etc, will be added gradually, so please call again. I would be grateful for any further information. For those seeking contemporary music for other types of lute, I recommend the Internationales Lexikon neue Lautenmusik, published by the Deutsche Lautengesellschaft (German Lute Society) in German and English.

Works for solo theorbo

Brodhead, Richard, 'Siblings' (1996) 6 pieces. Unpublished.

Ekström, Lars, 'Vision and Ashes' (1996). Published by the Swedish Music Information Centre.

Keeling, Andrew, 'MirAre', (2003), published by the British Music Information Centre. Commissioned and premiered by Matthew Wadsworth, Wigmore Hall, London. Composer's website.

Lundgren, Stefan. Composer's website includes several downloads of music and mp3 files. Theorbo works include:

-'Ölandssuite Nr.1' , Op.11 (1993)

- 'Sonate Nr.6' Op.15 (1994)

Mather, Bruce, 'In Memoriam Bengt Hambraeus' (2001). Published by the Canadian Music Centre.

Mulsant, Florentine, 'Tiento for theorbo' (1994). Commissioned by the French Lute Society. Premiered by Caroline Delume. Published by Furore Verlag. NB: needs 8 stopped courses.

Santana, Lee,

Works for voice and theorbo

Lundgren, Stefan, ' Irgendwann', Op.9 (1992), 6 songs for voice and theorbo. Composer's website.

Skempton, Howard, 'Lamentations' for bass and theorbo, (2001). Duration 15 mins. Published by Oxford University Press.

Works for small ensembles, 2-6 musicians

Cowie, Edward, 'Frames in a row', (1999-2000). High voice, baroque flute, violin, cello, theorbo. Duration 23 mins. Commissioned by Mzt, and premiered under the direction of Stephen Preston. Published by AMC.

Lauck, Thomas, 'Balance', for soprano, oboe and theorbo.

Lundgren, Stefan,see also composer's website.

- 'Der Weg des Einsamen' / The Solitary Way, Op.7 (1990), 8 songs for voice, bass viol, theorbo.

- 'Sonata for bass viol and theorbo' Op.6 (1991).

- 'Sonata for tenor recorder and theorbo', Op.8 (1991)

Ruoff, Axel, 'Palimpsest' (1992), 2 treble recorders, viola da gamba, theorbo, harpsichord. Published by Miero Print. EM 1029

Works for larger ensemble

Finnissy, Michael, 'Glad Day', (1994). 2 recorders, 2 trumpets, organ, theorbo/harp, strings.

Swayne, Giles, 'Havoc', Op.83 (1999) for countertenor, flute, chorus of 28 amplified voices (including SSMsT soloists), continuo group (marimba, baroque harp, celeste, theorbo), 7 strings, woodwinds, brass, percussion. Most instruments subject to electro-acoustic treatment. Duration 80 mins. Published by Novello & Co.

© 2006 by Lynda Sayce

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