Michael Lowe
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Despite the bitter weather, a hundred people attended the talk on February 12th given by Michael Lowe, Wootton's own lute-maker and historian of the instrument.. Some had come along after watching an item on the local BBC TV that evening, which featured Michael talking about the lute's renewed popularity.
Over a captivating hour, Michael explored the evolution of the lute and its place in society over several centuries, focusing on different styles of design, as well as the techniques of playing the instrument.
He also examined the emergence of similar instruments around the world and how the Moorish influence had spread from North Africa to Europe.
Michael illustrated the role of the lute through paintings, showing it in courtly surrounds as well as in a more humble locations, such as inns. Ultimately, it was the rise of the orchestra, with many instruments contributuing to one piece of music, which led to the slow demise of the lute.
Many people were fascinated with the display of materials and tools which he had brought along to show how these delicate instruments are constructed. So far, he has made 159 in a career spanning 35 years, and his current waiting-list is still well over ten years.
Michael's talk raised £649, giving a total of £7,602 after fourteen talks.
 We enjoy early music and have listened to performances on the lute on many occasions. Michael's talk about the history of its development added another dimension to our appreciation. His playing reminded us of how captivating the instrument can sound and why it was so prominent throughout Europe over many centuries" - Trevor and Evelyn Hendy, Woodstock
For me, after listening to Michael's commitment and enthusiasm, the lute has certainly risen quite a few notches. In a world that values loudness and “hype”, the lute is gentle and soothing, lending itself to the intimate “soiree” rather than the mammoth concert. We were reminded that the lute has often been referred to scornfully as “a plucked instrument”. Thanks to Michael, we can now see it as something to be listened to and enjoyed, a therapeutic gift, and a reminder of the value and continuity of good music - Rev. Stephen Jones, Wootton.
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All Talks Start
At 7:30pm
Tickets Cost
£10 For
Everybody
Max Capacity
100
Postcode
OX20 1DZ
Local Links
Woodstock Book Shop
The Killingworth Castle
Adrian Arbib Photography
Robin Laurance Photography
Ashmolean Museum
The Bodleian Library
Woodstock U3A - University Of The Third Age
Woodstock Music Society
Woodstock Literature Society
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