Dear Rob,
You're right, we don't discuss these things enough, and these duos are
the ideal place to start. One of the frustrations of the lute net is
how we get sidetracked by the complexities of technique, often of very
difficult pieces, while ignoring the fundamentals of trying to make
sense of the polyphony. These duos in Fuenllana are perfect study material.
More, please!
Martin (aspiring member of Polyphonists Anonymous, but hoping never to
be "dried out")
Rob MacKillop wrote:
[I'm cross-posting this from the vihuela list as some lute students
might find it useful. Remember, the vihuela was tuned the same way as a
6c lute, so you could play this music on your lute.]
I don't think we do enough, generally speaking, for the maybe not-so
advanced (if I may say that) players among us. I have had quite a few
questions over the years from beginners, post-beginners, and those who
have hit the brick wall and can't move forward, and maybe we should do
more to help. Well, with this in mind I've started a page on the
[1]www.vihuela.eu site which sets out to do just that. I've started
with a 'duo' (for one instrument) by Fuenllana/Josquin, as, like
Bermudo, I believe the articulation of vocal lines is one of the most
crucial yet difficult things to achieve well on the vihuela or lute.
The page is very much just beginning, so please let me know what you
would like to see there. I can't promise I'll be able to do all you
ask...Unfortunately, the vihuela I used for the recording needs some
attention, and does tend to buzz occasionally...but it's not a CD.
Anyway, hot foot it to [2]http://www.vihuela.eu/study.htm I have the
score in French tab, an mp3 performance, plus an mp3 of commentary as I
explore the piece, discussing how I approach my interpretation.
Doubtless, someone else would play it very differently, and you must
find your own way eventually, but hopefully this will help.
Rob MacKillop
PS There are many good players on the lute list. Hopefully this will
move them to improve on what I have done here. We should be helping
younger and less-advanced players as much as we can.
--
References
1. http://www.vihuela.eu/
2. http://www.vihuela.eu/study.htm
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