Esaias Reusner – transcribed for guitar by John W Duarte
Ut Orpheus : 15 pages
Esaias Reusner (1636 – 1679) wrote for the 11 course Baroque Lute, a quite different instrument in every way from its Renaissance counterpart, for whereas the Renaissance Lute was closer in tuning to our modern guitar, the baroque instrument is different in every way, nd of a far greater range, particularly in the lower region. So this set of pieces by him has had to be significantly altered to fit our guitar, but there is no doubt that now it suits our instrument really well and feels natural.
Suite No1, here in D Major, as it is presented here is not the entire original suite, as two movements were published back in 1978 by Universal. So, we now have a Prelude which is unbarred, an Allemanda, a Courant, a Sarabanda, an Aria, and a Gigue, which in themselves does actually amount to what a full Baroque Suite often is. The ornaments here are presented exactly as on the original manuscript, which are markings, and so it is up to the player how he/she interprets them.
Suite No2, also in D Major, consists of an Allemanda,a Courant, a Sarabanda, and a final Gigue, whilst the 3rd suite, here titled Suite No9, is in A minor, and is an Allemanda, a Courant, a Sarabanda, a Ballett, and a final Gigue.
Nothing here is very easy as the style of the music necessitates very careful fingering, and doers need a very good player to actually make it work successfully, but if the Baroque Lute music is one of your loves, then this is a great way to try out something as little different.
Chris Dumigan
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