Dear Peter, You wrote: "If we have a look on 16th century lute tablatures, it is also obvious, that some musicians published only 'serious/highbrow' music. Look at for example the editions of Francesco da Milano or Bakfark: Only 'serious/highbrow' music like fantasies and intabulations. Not a single 'popular' piece like songs, or dance music and the like. Thus without saying it, they made very much a distinction between serious and popular".
I can see where you are coming from on this, and that you can make a good case for your view. I like to think, though, that Francesco was not completely humourless. He does give us quite a number of intabulations of pieces by Claudin de Sermisy whose chansons, when you get to know them, have quite a bit of humour and sexual innuendo. Judging by the quantity of surviving settings Claudin's music was certainly very popular. Francesco gives us settings, among others, of "Vignon vignetta," a drinking song in praise of the vine and "Martin menuyt." The latter, for those not familiar with it, is about Martin and his girlfriend Alix who decide to make love whilst taking their pig to market. To avoid losing the pig they tie it to Alix' ankle - unfortunately the pig gets frightened and runs away, taking Alix with it! The piece is suitably frenetic if played at the right speed and would be quite a tour de force on the lute. Music like this surely must have raised a few smiles in Francesco's audience, even when played on the lute? Best wishes, Denys
