Is the theorbo still used today?
The low bass strings give a powerful sound; as a result, it was used as a basso continuo instrument in orchestras well into the 18th Century. The theorbo reads from the bass line and plays the harmony above the notes, just like the harpsichord. There are no playable theorbos surviving today.
What is a baroque theorbo?
The theorbo was used during the Baroque music era (1600–1750) to play basso continuo accompaniment parts (as part of the basso continuo group, which often included harpsichord, pipe organ and bass instruments), and also as a solo instrument.
Where did the theorbo originate?
Italy
The theorbo originated in Italy at the end of the 16th century. The instrument was occasionally played solo, but in the 17th century it was also used for the basso continuo, which provided a chordal accompaniment in baroque music.
What is the theorbo also known as?
Theorbo, large bass lute, or archlute, used from the 16th to the 18th century for song accompaniments and for basso continuo parts.
How expensive is a lute?
All lutes are custom made instruments, and therefore they tend to be expensive. A used Larry Brown student lute, the “standard” of the beginner’s lute world, goes for $1500 USA these days, give or take $500.
What is the difference between sackbut and trombone?
Sackbut, (from Old French saqueboute: “pull-push”), early trombone, invented in the 15th century, probably in Burgundy. It has thicker walls than the modern trombone, imparting a softer tone, and its bell is narrower. The sackbut answered the need for a lower-pitched trumpet that composers of the time sought.
What was the role of the theorbo in Baroque music?
This gives a theorbo a much wider range of pitches (notes) than a regular lute. The theorbo was used during the Baroque music era (1600–1750) to play basso continuo accompaniment parts (as part of the basso continuo group, which often included harpsichord, pipe organ and bass instruments), and also as a solo instrument.
What kind of musical instrument is a theorbo?
“Chitarrone” redirects here. For the Latin American family of musical instruments, see Guitarrón. The theorbo is a plucked string instrument of the lute family, with an extended neck and a second pegbox.
Who was the first composer to write music for the theorbo?
A few modern composers have begun to write new music for the theorbo; significant works have been composed by Roman Turovsky, David Loeb, Bruno Helstroffer, Thomas Bocklenberg, and Stephen Goss, who has written the only concerto for theorbo.
What kind of guitar did Robert de Visee play?
Robert de Viseé composed for and played lute, theorbo and guitar; his guitar music, some of it arrangements of earlier lute music, demonstrates a very subtle art. The baroque guitar is pitched a third below the lute and vihuela, and therefore has a slightly longer string length, about the same as the modern guitar.
