Chris Despopoulos's Page

So the question is, how do you classify a 17th C. mandore? Is it a lute, a proto-mandolin, or something else entirely? Some were double-strung, and some were not. The records among luthiers apparently show that many were made, but there's very little literature. Were they the ubiquitous wedding gift? The baroque equivalent of a ukulele?

It is baroque, and it's shaped like a lute.

Francois De Chancy dedicated his tablatures to Richeleau. I did read that the poor cardinal wasn't much of a musician, and the court made sport of his attempts at the lute. Were these pieces designed to be simple yet effective, as some sort of consolation? The music is striking, and one can only hope to demonstrate a hint of its grandeur. In that spirit, I have posted a poorly executed recording of Chancy's Suite Number 5.