It's not all about playing the guitar: the origins of the lute

Guitar music enthusiasts, especially classical guitarists, are surely familiar with an instrument that, while not among the most widely used today, holds exceptional historical importance. This is the lute, which enjoys a certain romantic resonance due to its association with medieval troubadours. But what is the origin of the lute? The popular image of wandering musicians who traveled the lands of Christendom to entertain those willing to enjoy the spectacle is not inaccurate. However, this instrument was not actually born in the Christian world, but in the Muslim world. Indeed, the name itself comes from the Arabic al-`ū d, referring to the wood from which it was made. The instrument is already documented in 7th-century Arabia, when it had four strings and was used for vocal accompaniment. Throughout these centuries of Islamic expansion, significant improvements were made in both manufacturing and playing techniques, which were constantly evolving. In 9th-century Andalusian Córdoba, a revolutionary leap forward was achieved thanks to the musician Ziryab, who is credited with introducing a fifth string. With him, such a level of melodic refinement was achieved that the lute transcended its mere accompaniment function. It was precisely in Al-Andalus where this instrument first made its debut on the European continent, although it would also gradually appear in other places where cultural exchange could take place. The lute became very popular in Europe from the late Middle Ages onwards and, until the 18th century, it could be considered the king of instruments, with even greater popularity than the Spanish guitar enjoys today. The works of John Dowland during the Renaissance, and those of Silvius Leopold Weiss, Robert de Visé, and J.S. Bach himself during the Baroque period are widely known. Although guitar playing is more prevalent today, reminiscences of those times can still be seen in some university tunas and string and plectrum groups. At Guitarras Alhambra, we constantly work on the evolution and improvement of guitars and other string instruments, including the lute. An instrument handcrafted with an appropriate selection of woods, which creates a quality instrument with a traditional sound.