Fantasia XXXI by Francesco Canova da Milano
When I started studying classical guitar, I was obsessed with anything Julian Bream ever played. I remember listening to his album "The Woods So Wild" over and over again. Through him, I fell in love with the fantasias of da Milano. In some respects, they are so simple and pure, but in other respects, they are so rich and complex. When my family surprised me with the gift of a lute last Christmas, I knew right away that I wanted to play the fantasias of Il Divino. In this video, I play it on guitar first, then lute.
Warning to any actual lute players: I am not a lute player (at least not yet)! I play with nails and guitar technique in the right hand. Maybe some day I'll learn the lute properly, but I'm not going to stop enjoying this just because I can't do it "correctly" right now.
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I really enjoyed these. It's interesting that I don't really appreciate how well that music fits the lute until hearing it back to back like this. I'm not sure if it's because it's reminiscent of things like Bream's "Woods..." and "Golden Age..." or if it's actually better suited to the instrument.
As a side note, as much as I like the sound, I doubt a lute's in my future. Six strings are annoying enough for me to change and I'd probably switch to uke if the repertoire we're broader, lol.
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Steve Price Thanks, Steve. I do think it sounds a bit more natural on the lute. That said, da Milano's fantasias seem a bit like just pure music that would sound good on any instrument(s).
I will admit that, since getting this lute last Christmas. I have yet to change the strings. I am NOT looking forward to doing that, and will probably put it off as long as possible. Tuning it is also challenging, not only because of the number of strings, but because the tuners themselves are so sensitive to the slightest turn and tend to slip if not turned correctly.
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Wow, I really like the lute sound, it was so refreshing!! I know changing strings may look tedious, but really hope you would post more lute videos in the future.
(I need to show your video to my wife and let her know what a real christmas present looks like)-
Wai Thank you, Wai. Maybe I will post more lute music. I'm really enjoying playing it. Just to let you know, my wife made it clear that I won't be getting any more presents for years now (and not just Christmas).
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That was great Eric. And what a surprise! (Actually you did present some music on the lute earlier.) I agree with Wai, I think it sounds better on the lute. It stills good on guitar, and I have no problem with 'non authentic' performances. I think it is always good to be informed of technique and period style of pieces, but each period reinterprets the past.
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Jack Stewart Thanks, Jack! I love playing it on the lute, but I can’t imagine da Milano objecting to anyone playing it on another instrument.
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Eric Phillips Besides he probably has to play it on the harp now.
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Jack Stewart I bet that makes playing the harpeggios much easier.
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Eric Phillips They're not going to let you in.
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