In stock - usually despatched within 1 working day.
6-course lute by Andrew Rutherford, New York, 2000, after Gerle (1-6, 15-18, 22-24);
6-course alto lute by Grant Tomlinson,Vancouver, 1997, after Italian models (7-12);
8-course lute by Paul Thomson, Bristol, 1991, after Vendelio Venere, 1582 (13-14, 19-21)
Performing editions prepared by Paul O'Dette.
The son of a lute maker and prominent teacher, Melchior Neusidler was lucky enough to gain the favour of the Fuggers, a rich family of Augsburg bankers: soon his skills as a performer and their passion for his art enabled him to make his living from music, despite his 'difficult' character, which discouraged many patrons!
Paul O'Dette breathes new life into the music of this now forgotten master, which at one time was to be heard all over Europe. He has been called 'the clearest case of genius ever to touch his instrument' (Toronto Globe and Mail). Though perhaps best known for his recitals and recordings of virtuoso solo lute music, he maintains an active international career as a continuo player, performing with today's most respected conductors and ensembles.
In addition to his activities as a lute player, Paul O'Dette is Artistic Director of the Boston Early Music Festival and an avid researcher. He has published numerous articles on issues of historical performance practice and co-authored the Dowland entry in the New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians. He has made more than 100 recordings, several of which have been nominated for Gramophone magazine's Record of the Year Award and three for the Grammy Awards.
December 2008
“…O'Dette's subtly muted tonal palate… perfectly complements his dazzling virtuosity and absolute clarity of projection.”
February 2009
****
“The strikingly modern Fantasias anchor O'Dette's imaginatively planned programme… There is an enticing fluency to O'Dette's playing throughout. Neusidler needed a champion; with O'Dette he's fallen on his feet!”
Click on any of the works listed above for alternative recordings.
