Bach’s Suite in E minor, BWV 996 is usually played on harpsichord, lute, or even piano, but it was written for something called a “lautenwerck”. Ever wondered what that actually was?
Bach’s Suite in E minor, BWV 996 is usually played on harpsichord, lute, or even piano, but it was written for something called a “lautenwerck”. Ever wondered what that actually was?
The lautenwerck (also spelled lautenwerk), alternatively called lute-harpsichord (lute-clavier), is a European keyboard instrument of the Baroque period. It is similar to a harpsichord, but with gut rather than metal strings, producing a mellow tone.
The instrument was favored by J. S. Bach, who owned two of the instruments at the time of his death, but no specimens from the 18th century have survived to the present day.[1] It has been revived since the 20th century by harpsichord makers Willard Martin, Keith Hill and Steven Sorli. Two of its most prominent performers are the early music specialists Gergely Sárközy and Robert Hill.
Performances by Gergely Sárközy are also freely available.[2]
The lautenwerck (also spelled lautenwerk), alternatively called lute-harpsichord (lute-clavier), is a European keyboard instrument of the Baroque period. It is similar to a harpsichord, but with gut rather than metal strings, producing a mellow tone. The instrument was favored by J. S.