The Pacoloni Ensemble, formed in the late 1990s, specializes in repertoire for the lute family and consists of instrumentalists from various parts of Italy with extensive early music experience.
Interpretation
The performers on this recording have added percussion instruments, which were not explicitly written in the original musical texts, to enhance the tone color and rhythmic impulse of the dances.
Compositional Technique
Many pieces in this recording are dances built on a 'basso ostinato' or harmonized popular melodies, reflecting common practices of the late Renaissance and early Baroque periods.
Composition History
The Thysius Lute Book, also known as Leiden, Thysian Library 1666, contains over 900 pieces of sacred and secular lute music from the late 1500s and early 1600s.
Composer Biography
Adriaan Joriszoon Smout (1578/79-1646), a philosopher, teacher, and preacher, was a scrupulous writer and expert performer who compiled the Thysius Lute Book.
Composer's Artistic Vision
The Thysius Lute Book reflects the social aspect of musical performance in its era, where group singing or playing served an important recreational role.
Album & Artwork
This album features the first recording of the Thysius Lute Book, a significant historical manuscript.
