In music history, Central Europe is often no more than a footnote. Paul O’Dette thought that was a shame, turning up for Laus 2026 with a selection of the most beautiful music and most interesting composers circulating in the region around 1600. It will come as no surprise that he has a rich array of lute music to draw on: the mobile, elegant and versatile instrument was the perfect travelling companion at the time. The cosmopolitan music scene comes to life in Matthias Reymann’s imaginative lines, Melchior Neusidler’s sparkling dances, Wojciech Dlugoraj’s graceful melodic contours and Jakob Reis’ elegantly poetic sound. With the iconic John Dowland and Jacques Gautier as his compass, O’Dette shows how Central Europe contributed to the wider European story.
Program
Music by M. Reymann, M. Neusidler, W. Dlugoraj, J. Reis, J. Dowland, J. Gautier e.a.
Performers
Paul O’Dette, lute