Alongside the advances of art, literature and music at large over the course of the 16th century, the repertoire of the lute flourished. The most celebrated instrument of this time, its grasp of trends encapsulated the stylistic diversity of Renaissance music. Nearing the mid-century tablatures for the Spanish vihuela appeared. Volumes of music from Spain catering for varying interests testify to its popularity in the Peninsular. Around this time too the guitar began to reveal its colours. Small, high-pitched then, it nevertheless revealed a remarkable hold of prevailing genres. Snapshots of these instruments display them at the hands of celestial hosts, courtiers, aristocrats, in domestic scenes and at rural entertainments.
As these chapters unfold, drifts of songs arise for solo singers, choirs and mixed gatherings. Spirited, dolorous, they found ideal partners in accord with a lutenist, the vihuela and at times a guitar. In step with topical instrumental dances in vogue, well-sprung tunes conjure visions of capers, measured gaits for ceremonial processions, and circular themes for communal footsteps. Plucked-string players also excelled at spinning variations around popular ayres. Added to which are those most individual conceptions, fantasias.
Tracing the reaches of the lute, vihuela and guitar over the course of the 16th century, their burgeoning, shaping and features of their music are pinpointed at each step in pitch notation, and aurally conveyed with clips of their soundings.