Issue 141 of Lute News is now out - see its colour front cover. See a gallery of previous front covers on the publications page, under Lute News back issues.
Updated Lute Society Music index - search through the tabulature supplements by composer
Beginners lesson - 45 - Getting started with social music-making, by Lynda Sayce
Lute Iconography Database (Lute IDB) There is a new release of this rich and detailed resource of lute iconography images collated and curated by David Van Edwards. Newly updated with better search and usability features: help page and summary or go to the database.
Lute events:
A short essay on using your phone to translate Lute News and to follow QR codes, by Chris Goodwin: Lute news and QR codes
Sonatas for extended neck baroque guitar, by Ludovico Fontanelli edited by Peter Elliot - see free downloads
Tree Editions now available as free downloads on this website - an amazing free lute library, bequeathed by Albert Reyerman. Also added to the main menu for the website - see Tree Edition Files.
Recent updates to our members compositions page. British and Irish songs arranged by Andrew Haxell; Fantasia after Mudarra, Blancrocher XXI by Michel Amoric; Tombeau for Stephen Barber by David van Ooijen; La Rivercada by Joaquim BogunyĆ Chesa; Songs in Divers Humours, for medium voice and lute (tablature), by David Protheroe.
Play along with professional musicians Our lute backing tracks page has a number of songs and duets, where you provide the missing lute part, to accompany renowned musicians such as Emma Kirkby and Dowland Works performing Golden Age songs, and duets with Lynda Sayce. Download the sheet music on the same page.
Looking for a lute player, accompanist, duet partner, or beginner's 'buddy'? We can help you find a lute player in your area, or for your special event (wedding, banquet, advert etc). We are also starting up a lute buddying scheme to put new players in touch with lute buddies in their area.
For previous news items, see Old news
See our catalogue for details and to purchase online:
As well as our online shop where you can purchase our publications, our website contains a number of listings of lutes for sale, makers, teachers, publishers, summer schools and other links.
The Secretary, Christopher Goodwin
53 Mill Road,
Sharnbrook,
Bedfordshire, MK44 1NP
United Kingdom
Tel: (+44/0)1483 202159 / (++44/0)7510 254106
or if your email bounces back from this, try
The Lute Societys finances are ticking over nicely with the present membership fees and it is breaking even in a safe and steady manner. But we would like to be able to fund occasional additional activities without having to raise the general membership fees to a level which would put off some from joining. If you feel able to help in this way, it will be greatly appreciated.
There will be an opportunity for UK tax payers to gift aid their donation after they click the donate button.