Lute

About the Sound and Character

The sound of the lute is intimate, soft, silvery, and noble. Unlike the modern guitar, the lute possesses a quieter yet overtone-rich sound ideal for chamber music and vocal accompaniment.

Structure and Features

The lute body resembles a lengthwise-sliced drop or pear, lightweight and assembled from thin wooden ribs. The neck is wide with tied gut frets, and the pegbox is bent backward at a right angle. The number of strings varied from 6 to 13 courses (pairs).

Genres

• Renaissance and Baroque early music
• Historical reconstructions (authentic performance practice)
• Acoustic folk renaissance