The Queenes Maskes. A Varietie of Lute Music from the Early English Court

Featuring

Elisa La Marca
John Dowland
Alfonso Ferrabosco the elder
Anonymous
Laurencini da Roma
Thomas Morley

Vincenzo Pinti (The Knight of the Lute)
Robert Ballard
John Perrichon
Anthony Holborne
Daniel Bacheler

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Composer Biography

John Dowland, father of Robert Dowland, was one of England's most acclaimed lutenists but was never appointed by Queen Elizabeth I, despite naming a galliard after her.

Instruments

The lute was the most versatile and popular musical instrument of the early seventeenth century, used for dance accompaniment, ensemble support, vocal accompaniment, and solo virtuoso pieces.

Composer Biography

John Dowland served for years as personal lutenist to Danish King Christian IV, who was the brother of Queen Anna of Denmark, King James I's queen consort.

Composition History

Robert Dowland's 'Varietie of Lute-Lessons' (VLL), a music anthology printed in 1610, included lute transcriptions of music used in royal masques and other courtly dances.

Performer Biography

Elisa La Marca, the performer on this album, has developed a particular interest in the Renaissance lute repertoire and co-founded the Quartetto di Liuti da Milano.

Historical Context

During the Renaissance, masques were interactive theatrical productions that celebrated those in power through music and dancing, often involving royalty and nobility.

Composition History

The identity of 'The Knight of the Lute', a European composer featured in VLL, remains a mystery, with recent scholarship casting doubt on previous suggestions.