ATTAINGNANT : Bransle Gay; Pavane & sauterelle, for lute (from 18 basses dances); Bransle de Poictou; Tres breve et familiere introduction ..., for lute (1529)- Unspecified Prelude for lute; Bransle gay, C'est mon amy, for lute (from 18 basses dances); Basse Danse -La Magdalena; Haulberrys; Tres breve et familiere introduction ..., for lute (1529)- Unspecified Prelude for lute; Une bergerote, lute intabulation (after Claudin de Sermisy) (from Tres breve et familiere introduction) ;La Roque; Destre amoureux, lute intabulation (from Tres breve et familiere introduction); Bransle Gay; Il me suffit, lute intabulation (after Claudin de Sermisy) (from Tres breve et familiere introduction); Tres breve et familiere introduction ..., for lute (1529)- Unspecified Prelude for lute; Amy souffres, lute intabulation (after Pierre Moulu) (from Tres breve et familiere introduction); Galliarde, for lute; Tant que vivray, for lute; La brosse, basse dance, recoupe, tourdion, for lute (after P[ierre] B[londeau]) (from 18 basses dances); Tres breve et familiere introduction ..., for lute (1529)- Unspecified Prelude for lute;Dolent Depart Lute Intabulation (from Tres breve et familiere introduction);Cuer Angoisseux Bass Dance for Lute lute (after P[ierre] B[londeau]) (from 18 basses dances).
Hopkinson Smith
Astree Naïve E8854
American – born Hopkinson Smith is quite rightly regarded as one of the greatest players of the Lute and its associated family of instruments. Here he gives us a complete CD full of the music of one French composer/publisher Pierre Attaingnant. In 1529, Pierre Attaingnant published the first book of lute tablature to be issued in France: Tres breve et famílíere introduction pour entendre & apprendre par soy mesmes a iouer toutes chansons reduictes en la tablature du Lutz. (Brief and simple introduction for understanding and learning for oneself how to play any song reduced to tablature for the lute.) This first volume of lute pieces to be printed in France – a collection of preludes and chansons – was followed less than four months later by a second volume – Dixhuit basses dances: 18 basses dances as well as branles, pavanes, galliards, and other dances in lute tablature. Together, these two small books comprise the beginning of the long tradition of French lute music, which was eventually to dominate the solo lute repertoire throughout the continent. On this CD 21 of these pieces have been compiled by Hopkinson Smith in what is a very clear and beautifully played recital. The Renaissance Lute of course has to be very carefully recorded or it just sounds artificial, but there is nothing to worry about here, as you are immediately transported back to early 16th Century France with this remarkable recording.
There is simply no need to pick out any particular track, as they all sound effortless (which for anyone who has never played the lute is simply not the case!), and it just remains for me to say that this CD is a delightful way to pass the time, and if the repertoire and instrument is something that appeals, then this CD is definitely one you should consider getting.
Chris Dumigan
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