The latter half of the 16th century was a golden age for plucked strings. Some of the finest composers were writing for lute, and the renaissance guitar (tuned like the first four strings of the modern guitar, but much smaller in size) enjoyed great popularity as well. In Spain, numerous books of solos and songs were dedicated to the vihuela, which looked like a guitar, but was tuned like a lute.
     Music was an important of life: you were considered uncivilized if you couldn't read music and play at least one instrument.
     The tunes recorded here range from light-hearted dance pieces to ballads to sophisticated fantasias. The atmosphere and feelings evoked by renaissance music can be a refreshing tonic to our complex and frenetic modern times.

cover painting: The Peasant Dance by Brueghe
l graphic design: Steve Powell