What are some other things we would like medieval event organisers to realise are misconceptions about medieval music?
Well, here's one: at large feasts in castle great halls, the background music was probably not provided by a solo lutenist. More generally, a need to use amplification is a good indication you have chosen the wrong instrumental ensemble for the occasion.
Question on nomenclature: where did the term lutenist originate from? In the accounts of James iii and James iv of Scotland lute-players are referred to as 'luters'.
ReplyDeleteThe term does seem to be sixteenth or seventeenth century. A similar thing happens with harper becoming harpist. Not sure why!
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