155 Days With Bach and Me

This is my favorite CD — Brandenburg Concerts notwithstanding — so far!

I’ve always loved the sound of Classical guitar. The Lute is related, and sounds much like the Classical guitar. (Only it has a lot more strings. A. Lot. More.)

Today’s CD is Lute Works performed by Jakob Lindberg, a brilliant player. The instrument he’s using, according to the CD sleeve, is a “13-course Baroque Lute by Michael Lowe, Oxford 1981.” I suppose that means Michael Lowe built it in 1981. Or does it mean he bought it then? For that matter, who is Michael Lowe? Ah, research must be undertaken.

Research was undertook. And now I know who Michael Lowe is. From Jakob Linderg’s web site comes this, which is a picture and description of the lute Jakob plays on this CD. And, from a luthier’s web site, comes this well-written history of the Lute, along with a mention of the fact that Michael Lowe is one of the few modern-day Lute makers.

Here’s a BBC report about Michael Lowe:

I learned something today, which is why I do this. Ars longa, vita brevis, man.

Plus, while I was listening to today’s music, I corresponded with a good friend of mine in New Zealand who told me he also enjoys experiencing Classical music. We shared mutual admiration for the great composers. It was good to learn more about him and his love for both life and music. The world needs more people like that in it.

This was a delightful CD. It even features another of the world’s most familiar pieces of Classical music — the fifth movement (“Bourree”) from Suite in E minor, BWV 996. Everyone who plays guitar has likely tried his/her hand at that one. Next to Paul McCartney’s “Blackbird,” this piece by Bach is as ubiquitous as “Smoke on the Water” or “Stairway to Heaven.”

The compositions on today’s CDs are:
BWV 995 — 1727 (Bach was 42)
BWV 996 — 1708 (Bach was 23)
BWV 997 — 1737 (Bach was 52)