Hopkinson Smith, Master of the Lute

Bright and Early:

The First Sources for Renaissance Lute

The sources are the first lute books ever printed with movable type, issued in Venice by Ottaviano Petrucci in 1507 and 1508, with music by Francesco Spinacino and Zoan Ambrosio Dalza. Additional sources are from Paris, two volumes of lute music printed by Pierre Attaignant in 1529 and 1530.

A recording of Hopkinson Smith playing works from early Attaignant prints (1529 and 1530) can be found in this article.

His instrument was specially made for early 16th-century music by the Boston-born luthier Joel van Lennep: a 6-course lute, with octave stringing on the 3rd to 6th courses, for “ringing clarity and brighter resonance.”

For the artist’s biography, program, notes and critical reception CLICK HERE.

Concert Information

April 19, at 7:30 PM

Christ Church Annex
Zero Garden St.
Cambridge, MA 02138

Reception follows.
Masks required.

Tickets

Tickets are available here on our website until the end of the concert, and they may be purchased at the door with a smart phone. Checks and cash will also be accepted at the door.

  • General: $35
  • Seniors: $30
  • Students: $15