The "Medieval Instrumental Dances" by Timothy McGee is a very good book. I bought it new for $30 about three years ago.
Sean Smith Begin forwarded message: > Hi John, > > - String length - is this commonly measured from nut to bridge on > lutes? > Yes. > > - What gauges of strings would be used for a 5 course lute? Any > recommended > manufacturers/suppliers? > > This depends on the tuning and pitch level you choose, and the strength > of your instrument. > I have a relatively modest-sized lute that I tune C,f,a,d',g', but I > also have an oud and a very small gittern (or citole, depending on whom > is looking at it) that I tune a,D,a,d,g' > > - Any known plans for a 5 course lute online? > > By now there probably is, but I'd have to look to find it. > > - Is there any evidence of straps? How were they attached? (I saw this > discussed but never really agreed upon) > > Only rarely do you see a strap. I always stand with my lute and > citole, but have to sit with the oud. Standing with a medieval lute > shouldn't be a problem. > > - Any evidence of simple, strummed chords? (per some period styled > pieces) > > Certainly. Usually chords made up of perfect intervals that serve as a > drone or a "moveable drone". > > - Can anyone recommend some selections for the 12-14th c, available > online? > > Troubadour and trouvere songs, medieval dances. I don't trust online > sources unless I know the person publishing it. There are too many SCA > blokes out there that are publishing "filk" music and claiming it to be > authentic. > > - Medieval Instrument Dances - are there another other sources for this > book > or info within - a legal xerox from the publisher will run be about > $50.00 > USD - which is still cheaper than what it's going for on Amazon. > > In my opinion, it's a great book - worth whatever it costs. > > You might want to check out my series of articles in Vol. 69, 70 and 72 > of the Lute (British) Society Newsletter on playing the medieval lute, > or Crawford Young's article in Ross Duffin's book: "A Performer's > Guide > to Medieval Music (Indiana U. Press). > > Good luck and write any time. > > joe > > Dr Joseph A. Baldassarre > Professor of Music at Boise State University > Boise, Idaho 83725 USA > Office phone: (208) 426-1507 > Or come visit my nifty personal website at > http://www.drjoeb.com > - or my University website - > http://www.boisestate.edu/music/baldassarre.html > > > > To get on or off this list see list information at > http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html >
