Contemporary Lute Music
Über meine zeitgenössische Musik für Laute, Theorbe und Barockgitarre
About my contemporary music for lute, theorbo and baroque guitar
Einige meiner Solo- und Kammermusikstücke sind für Laute, Theorbe und Barockgitarre geschrieben. Angesprochen sind Lautenist*innen, die bereit sind, sich auf neue Klangerfahrungen und spielerische Herausforderungen einzulassen. Bei manchen Stücken verwende ich ungewöhnliche Spieltechniken, die besondere Anforderungen an die Spielerin / den Spieler stellen. Es gibt weitere Abweichungen von der Norm, wie bspw. das Stoppen von Basschören, die Verwendung eines Slides oder das Anbringen eines zusätzlichen Bundes. Sofern nicht anders angegeben, wird eine gleichschwebende Tonleiter empfohlen.
A number of my solo and chamber pieces are written for lute, theorbo and baroque guitar. Addressed are lutenists who are prepared to get involved in new sound experiences and playing challenges. In some pieces, I use unusual playing techniques which means special requirements for the player. There are more deviations from the norm, for instance stopping of bass courses, use of a slide or affixing of an additional fret. Unless otherwise noted, equal tempered scale is recommended.
© 2022 Thomas Bocklenberg
AUSZUG / EXCERPT
BLINDE BERÜHRUNG / BLIND TOUCH
for Lute and Bass Viol (2016 / Revised Edition 2020) | circa 8′
In this piece, rhythmic and tempo structures are a particular challenge for the players. To interpret the piece properly, the players have to find closest proximity despite the tonal diversity of the instruments.Lute with 6 or 7 courses, Viol
Notation: french tablature (lute) and standard notation (Viol)
Tuning: equal tempered recommended
Annotations: German/English
Special playing techniques: Some percussive effects such as hammer-on of the fretting hand also for the Viol, tambora and standard harmonics. Exactly defined tempo changes.
Premiere: Munich 04-30-2017 within the concert series „Sonorizzonte“ at Alte Hofkapelle der Münchener Residenz by Michael Freimuth, Lute and Arno Jochem, Viol
Blind Touch – Audio samples
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FANTASIE IN NOMINE II
for Lute 10 courses (2000, Revised Edition 2017) | circa 10′
Prelude – Calmo, meditativo – Vivo – Moderato con spirito – Tempo giusto – Cadenza – Moderato –
Tempo giusto – Meditation melancholico – Adagio, calmo
Lute in G 10 courses
Notation: french tablature and graphics
Tuning: equal tempered recommended
Annotations: German/English
Tuning: standard
Special playing techniques: Down- and upstrokes with plucking hand
Premiere: Swiss 2009 at Gommer Abendmusiken by the composer
Choral section in Taverner’s music
Basis of FANTASIE IN NOMINE II for Lute/Archlute solo is a gregorian melody, which is first used by John Taverner in the 1st half of the 16th century for his mass „GLORIA TIBI TRINITAS“.
Since the renaissance there are numerous works based on this cantus firmus melody, especially by English composers. The title „In nomine“ refers to the text of Taverner’s „Benedictus“: Benedictus qui venit in nomine domini…
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KOKORO
for Theorbo 14 single courses (2009 / Revision August 2022 published by Bergmann Edition) | 13′
„People in Tokyo – activity and contemplation in a hustling and bustling city“
To play also on a large instrument
Optional use of a 13th fret
Notation: french tablature
Tuning: equal tempered recommended
Annotations: German/English
Special playing techniques: Extended use of lower bass courses. Orientation and accuracy of the plucking hand thumb. Some special sound effects for the plucking hand. Slurs in high positions.
Premiere: Bielefeld-Dornberg 01-24-2016 at concert series for early music by Michael Freimuth
Kokoro – Audio samples
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PROTOBINO – Version for Tiorbino or Theorbo
Tiorbino or Theorbo 14 courses (2013 / Revised Edition 2020) | circa 6’30“
This jazz oriented piece is available in two versions: for Tiorbino / Theorbo and for Piano.
The versions are adapted to the playing technique of the instrument, but otherwise differ insignificantly. I recommend choosing a medium or small instrument with the highest possible tuning.
Notation: Modern tablature (numbers)
Tuning: equal tempered recommended
Annotations: German/English
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RICERCAR I
for Lute 10 courses and Archlute 13 courses – 1 Player (1988) | 23′
9 movements:
Einleitung · Resonanz I · Intonation I · Glissando I · Kadenz I ·
Intonation II · Resonanz II · Glissando II · Kadenz II
Lute 10 courses and Archlute 13 courses (1 player)
To play also on a large instruments
Notation: modern tablature and graphic notation (manuscript)
Tuning: equal tempered recommended
Annotations: German/English
Special playing techniques: A lot of new playing techniques. Use of feather and slide.
Premiere: Folkwang University Essen 11-19-1989 by Michael Freimuth
Ricercar I – Audio samples
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DER BÄR AUF DER BRÜCKE / THE BEAR ON THE BRIDGE (JACARAS)
for Baroque Guitar (2014 / New Version 2019) | 3′
Baroque Guitar – course 5 high
Restriction in rapidity when using a larger instrument
Notation: standard staff notation
Tuning: equal tempered recommended
Annotations: German/English
Special playing techniques: Percussive effects such as golpe, ghost notes and slap.
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