The Era
The Baroque era (approx. 1600–1750) was characterized by a pursuit of representation, rich contrast, and profound emotionality. In music, this manifested through the introduction of the figured bass (Basso Continuo) and the development of the “Doctrine of the Affects” (Affektenlehre), in which specific musical figures were intended to evoke targeted human emotions.
- Principle of Contrast: The interplay between loud and soft (terraced dynamics) as well as solo and tutti shaped the tonal character.
- Architectural Rigor: The perfection of counterpoint lent the music a mathematical and spiritual depth.
- Instrumental Emancipation: Instrumental music became the equal of vocal music; forms such as the concerto, the suite, and the sonate emerged.
The Golden Age of the Baroque Lute and Baroque Guitar
While Renaissance instruments were of simpler construction, plucked instruments in the Baroque developed into highly complex sound bodies with an extended tonal range.
Johann Sebastian Bach and the Lute
Although Bach is world-renowned primarily for his organ and orchestral works, he left behind an exquisite corpus of works “pour la Luth.” His suites and partitas are characterized by dense polyphony and harmonic complexity, requiring the highest technical precision on both the Baroque lute and in modern guitar transcriptions.
Sylvius Leopold Weiss: Master of the Suite
A position of special significance is held by Sylvius Leopold Weiss, who was regarded as the most prominent lute virtuoso of his time and was a contemporary admirer of Bach.
- The Œuvre: With over 600 individual pieces, Weiss created the most extensive body of work in the entire history of lute literature.
- Structural Elegance: His sonatas and suites generally follow the classical movement sequence (Allemande, Courante, Sarabande, Gigue) and are distinguished by natural melodic lines.
- Adaptation for Guitar: Due to their idiomatic writing, many of his works translate exceptionally well to the modern guitar, preserving the full, harp-like sound of the Baroque era.
Technical Specifics in the Baroque
In contrast to the Renaissance, the construction and tuning of the instruments underwent fundamental changes:
The Baroque Lute
- D-Minor Tuning: The classic Renaissance tuning was replaced by the new “A-d-f-a-d’-f'” tuning (D-minor chord).
- Extended Bass (Bassanhang): The instrument received additional bass strings (bourdons) positioned outside the fingerboard, providing a deep, resonant foundation.
The Baroque Guitar
- Courses: The Baroque guitar was typically strung with five courses (double strings).
- Rasgueado and Punteado: The performance technique combined the rhythmic strumming of chords (rasgueado) with the elaborate plucking of individual lines (punteado), lending the instrument a character that was both dance-like and elegant