Make Music Day with Ars Lyrica: French Music Meets Theorbo

Celebrate Make Music Day with Ars Lyrica with a virtual concert of music for theorbo with Michael Leopold. What is a theorbo? It’s like a guitar with its neck stretched out! The theorbo is a member of the lute family and was developed in the 1580’s as an accompaniment instrument. Builders and musicians wanted an instrument with a wider range than the lute: the theorbo has eight bass strings on its extended peg box as well as treble strings on the fingerboard.

In the segment, Ars Lyrica musician Michael Leopold explores the theorbo and its solo music from France. He discusses how and why the theorbo came into existence at the end of the 16th century and what makes it such a unique member of the lute family. The theorbo was widely used in France in the 17th century, mainly as an accompaniment instrument, but there was also a trove of rich and beautiful solo music written for theorbo. Michael Leopold guides audiences in a deep dive into the culture and history of France and connects them with the repertoire of French early music for theorbo.

#MakeMusicDay #MakeMusicDay2021 #MakeMusicDayHouston