Lutefest 2025 – Thursday Schedule

The sources for lute give not enough explanation how the ornaments should be done. What can we learn behind the signs for graces?
Besides the graces I will include some ideas on how to approach the ornamenting of slow movements in the repetition. What hints do we find in the sources for that?

This “technique” class will focus on helping students solve the most difficult spots in the pieces that they are working on at home. Students are invited to present a problem spot from their repertoire and we will work through solutions together and discuss problem-solving strategies. This is intended to be a fun, experimental class and all students are encouraged to participate directly by testing out the solutions and finding what works for them. If we run out of time, I will collect unsolved problems and reach out to students after the class to offer solutions!

Masterclasses are open to performers and auditors. If you wish to apply to perform in this masterclass, please be sure to check the box on the first page of this form. You will need to send an audition video to the Festival Director. More information will provided after registration.

Learning Baroque guitar as a classical guitarist can be daunting but it is doable! In this class, Brandon Acker will teach you how to successfully navigate through the basics of technique (playing double strings, nails vs no nails, moveable frets, pegs, etc…). You will also learn strumming techniques for basso continuo using ground bass patterns

Performing solo violin compositions by J.S. Bach on the lute has been a compelling pursuit for lutenists since the efforts of Weyrauch and his contemporaries during Bach’s era. Although this music is indeed compatible with the lute, playing it exactly as written does not produce a sound characteristic of traditional lute music, particularly given that one of the distinctive elements of German baroque lute music from Bach’s era is the utilization of the deep bass strings extending beyond the violin’s range. Thus, we need to consider how much and in what ways we should adapt Bach’s composition to convert it into lute music. In this lecture, I will discuss and demonstrate various aspects of this topic, specifically focusing on Bach’s Partita in D minor.