Antoine Francisque 1570-1605
Francisque's book of solo lute music "Le Tresor D'Orphee" was published in 1600. His music has one foot in the 'renaissance', and the other pointing to new styles that became associated with the 'baroque' era. I find it a fascinating blend of the old and the new. His was the first lute book published that had music for the instrument in a non-traditional tuning. These are the pieces he calls a cordes avalees. The surprising harmonic twists and engaging dance rhythms throughout the book are particularly delightful.

O, glory and prize of Phoebus
By whom of old the Thracian Orpheus
Made the winds halt
And the gathering trees run,
I hail thee, o harmonius lute
Who rakest from me all spiteful care
And from my piercing love
The pains, if thou sing!
        from A son luc by Ronsard, 1542