Renaissance String Instruments: Vihuela vs. Lute History and Repertoire

The Spanish Vihuela: History and Characteristics

The practice of the lute in Europe coincided with the heyday of the Spanish Vihuela, which constitutes the typical Spanish instrument of the era. Unlike the lute, the vihuela's body is flat and its neck is short. It was played by plucking the strings with the fingers and typically had six courses (pairs of strings).

The vihuela was an aristocratic instrument, unlike the 17th-century guitar, which was popular. It was also a polyphonic instrument, and like the lute, it came in different sizes.

Vihuela Repertoire and Cultural Significance

The vihuela's peak was very short, lasting about half a century, yet in that brief time, its repertoire eclipsed that of almost any other noble instrument in Spain. This repertoire initially consisted of transcriptions of polyphonic works, which were then combined with masterfully arranged performances of popular melodies. Pieces were later called "differences," which are known today as variations.

The vihuela repertoire included:

• Fantasias
• Pavans
• Tientos
• Graceful pieces
• Carols and Ballads
• Songs and other parts

The notation used figures placed on staff lines (tablature), which indicated the fret to be pressed by the finger. The vihuela was also considered the primary accompanying instrument for both courtly and popular song.

Notable Vihuela Composers and Collections

Senior representatives and important vihuela music collections include:

• Luis de Milán: El Maestro (The Master)
• Diego Pisador: Libro de Música de Vihuela (Book of Music)
• Esteban Daza: El Parnaso (The Parnassus)

The European Lute: Construction and Performance

Lutes were known in Europe for more than 500 years before the end of the sixteenth century. They were made in varying sizes, often utilizing expensive materials and exquisite craftsmanship. While the Spanish Vihuela had a flat, guitar-like body, the typical European lute resembled a pear.

The standard lute configuration included one single string (the chanterelle) and five double courses (pairs of strings). Its neck had frets, and the pegbox was typically angled back at a sharp angle. The usual method of execution was to pluck the strings with the fingers.

The lute was highly versatile. It could be used as a solo instrument, to accompany singing, or as part of an ensemble. An advanced performer was able to produce a wide variety of effects, playing chords, scales, melodies, and complex contrapuntal pieces.

Lute Tablature

The lute used tablature (often called "tab"), a type of notation whose principle was to show the exact point (fret) at which the finger was stopping the strings to produce the required note, rather than indicating the pitch itself.