Introduction to the Théorbe de Pièces - French theorbo for solo pieces - music by Pinel

If you enjoy my work, please take a moment to buy me a coffee: www.paypal.com/paypalme/Suppo... All money goes to funding my videos, recordings, websites, research, strings etc. - Music from the Goess theorbo manuscript by Pinel, played on a Théorbe de Pièces made by Adrian and Lawrence Dodd of www.lutherie.uk
Strings: Aquila nylgut.
Citations for the slow French courante: D'Alambert (1752): "the sarabande is actually a slow minuet, and the courante a very slow sarabande". Rameau (1725): "a very slow dance that inspires an air of nobility more than the other dance". Rousseau (1768): "three slow beats", etc, etc. Check out "Performing Baroque Music on the Lute and Theorbo" by Peter Croton. I think there is a guitar version as well.

[@lawrencedodd7013]

Wonderful playing Rob! We are so happy that you and your new theorbo are getting on well! The speed of the courante was very refreshing and worked well. You are right that so often the music is played too fast. A very beautiful rendition, thank you!

[@RobMacKillop1]

Cheers, Lawrence. It’s a pleasure to play your lute.

[@brandonacker]

That was very enjoyable! Thank you, Rob :)

[@RobMacKillop1]

My pleasure, Brandon.

[@chris123chris82]

Thanks for putting me onto this KZbin channel Brandon!

[@erichvonrandow]

I get so happy every time you post a new video. I mean, truly, for me you're the most inspirational musician I ever had a chance to listen to, and the very cause of my decision to learn guitar - without nails, of course ;) Thank you so much for sharing such beautiful art with us, Rob. Wish you all the best!

[@RobMacKillop1]

Thanks, Erick! Best wishes for your guitar playing! I teach via Zoom, should you ever want lessons.

[@Viezieg]

same here :)

[@RobMacKillop1]

@@Viezieg Thank you! Best wishes for your playing too!

[@no-rq7fp]

We missed you, Rob!

[@RobMacKillop1]

And I, you.

[@RobMacKillop1]

@Documentary Partners Like I miss my accountant ;-)

[@thingsandso]

Your videos are the best combination of education and enjoyment. Thank you so much for another one. I didn't know the Theorbo existed in a smaller version and as most of the time I agree with you regarding the beautiful, clear and focused sound. Excited to hear more in the future!

[@RobMacKillop1]

Thanks. I’m not a natural talker, and imagine most people just skip to the music, so I’m very pleased you enjoy the introduction. Cheers, Rob.

[@PositunesMusic]

Loved it, thanks Rob

[@RobMacKillop1]

Cheers. Glad you like it.

[@Bernd_Boeckmann]

A very interesting instrument, Rob! So many strings, I would get lost, but you play it wonderfully. Always a great pleasure to watch your videos! Take care!

[@RobMacKillop1]

Cheers, Bernd. I get lost sometimes too!

[@gearoidmaclochlainn1663]

Beautiful. Thank you

[@RobMacKillop1]

Cheers, Gearoid. Glad you like it!

[@karli34]

6:20 - click to proceed where the music begins Wonderful playing and tone - I really love what you do!

[@Nylon_and_Gut-MatteoLaurenzi]

So glad to hear you

[@RobMacKillop1]

Thanks Matteo! Nice to hear from you.

[@ArielGuitars]

Beautiful instrument! Enjoy it!

[@fredhoupt4078]

Oh Rob, that was so delightful. There is something so deeply relaxing about the sound of theorbo. Thank you for this delightful art.

[@RobMacKillop1]

Cheers, Fred. I agree, though not always relaxing to play! :-)

[@dudlowtom6623]

Wonderful Rob! And I SO much agree that playing the solo repertoire is more appropriate on the lesser theorbe. (My opinion) The large “A” theorbe” sounds cool but so does solo tuba until after about ten minutes at which point it can tire the ear. You have a marvelous theorbe, and, as with ALL of your instruments, you play so well! Best Wishes, Tom

[@RobMacKillop1]

Cheers, Tom. Of course, I agree with you! 😎 It’s a great instrument from Dodd Lutherie, and the repertoire is superb. Cheers, Rob.

[@Isbin_]

Georgeous !!

[@RobMacKillop1]

Merci!

[@mateobarros]

You are a saint.

[@RobMacKillop1]

A strange thing for an atheist to be called ;-) but I appreciate your sentiment.

[@thomasstone1363]

Yet another wonderful video. A treat every time you post Rob, thank you!

[@RobMacKillop1]

Cheers, Thomas. Thanks for your nice comment!

[@aimonuutinen9299]

Thanks for another video Rob! your work is truly inspiring

[@RobMacKillop1]

Thanks, Aimo. Much appreciated!

[@williamstanford7994]

Glad to see you back, Rob.

[@RobMacKillop1]

Cheers, William. See you around.

[@riftmanhun5243]

It is great to hear from you again, I love your content 😃

[@RobMacKillop1]

Thanks, Riftman. More riffs per bar than most music ;-)

[@chris123chris82]

Awesome video! I’d love more knowledgeable videos like this. I’m learning so much haha

[@RobMacKillop1]

Good to know. Best wishes to you.

[@bertrandagostini1019]

Beautiful playing and beautiful piece indeed! Bravo!

[@RobMacKillop1]

Cheers, Bertrand!

[@sinjaja5836]

Very beautiful, especially the Prelude and the Gigue. Amazing, soft instrument! Thank you.

[@RobMacKillop1]

Thank you, Sinja. Glad you like it.

[@candidlens]

Beautiful. And courante slower than sarabande. Never would have thought.

[@RobMacKillop1]

Yes, indeed. Evidence: D'Alambert (1752): "the sarabande is actually a slow minuet, and the courante a very slow sarabande". Rameau (1725): "a very slow dance that inspires an air of nobility more than the other dance". Rousseau (1768): "three slow beats", etc, etc. Check out "Performing Baroque Music on the Lute and Theorbo" by Peter Croton. I think there is a guitar version as well.

[@MichaelNeverisky]

Quite an extraordinary sound! Congratulations, Rob. I look forward to hearing where this leads you.

[@RobMacKillop1]

Cheers, Michael. Wait till you hear Giant Steps on it! ;-)

[@alcachofa4065]

Hi Rob, I hadn't ever seen or listened an instrument like that and you really have a way with it, thank you for playing for us, greetings from Colombia.

[@RobMacKillop1]

Thanks again, Juan. I wish these instruments were more popular. They used to be.

[@banjopa]

Your videos are so very interesting to me. I always learn something from listening to you. Love the way you play!

[@RobMacKillop1]

Thanks, Steve. Always appreciated!

[@martenfalk9680]

Beautiful Rob! Thanks for this!

[@RobMacKillop1]

Thanks, Mårten! I’ll stick with this one!

[@martenfalk9680]

@@RobMacKillop1 yes, I can understand that. The sound is gorgeous!

[@JelmavanAmersfoort]

Hi Rob, beautiful lute and gorgeous sounds! Nice to hear that there are more recordings to come.

[@RobMacKillop1]

Thanks, Jelma!

[@pacopersia]

Incredible: such old tradition yet this is new sound to me. Very pleasant music too, and thanks for the explanation

[@RobMacKillop1]

Thanks, Nima. Glad you liked it!

[@joshfeatherstone8546]

Good to see you and hear you again, Rob.

[@RobMacKillop1]

Cheers, Josh. Good to see you again too.

[@haggishurler6645]

Exquisite instrument and playing.

[@RobMacKillop1]

Cheers, Hag! :-)

[@adriantann6406]

Beautiful Rob, with a name Adrian, I would expect nothing less of an instrument ... place in the hands of heart the birds at my window came to listen Thank you my friend 😊 Cheers! ❤️

[@RobMacKillop1]

Thank you, Adrian. For the birds, eh? I can’t imagine a better audience!

[@nnjack9931]

You are one cool dude!!!

[@RobMacKillop1]

Ha, cheers, Nancy!

[@MagicIsMusic]

Thank you so much, Rob. Great to see you on YT again. A beautiful instrument, and thanks to you, gorgeous music !

[@RobMacKillop1]

Well, I’m not the composer, but I thank you for your kind comment, my friend!

[@MagicIsMusic]

@@RobMacKillop1 Well, of course ! But again thank you for bringing this fine music to us, and you are quite right: enticed no doubt by the term "Courante" many "run" through the score. Your choice of tempo lets the music and the instrument sing.

[@RobMacKillop1]

@@MagicIsMusic Thanks. I can't sing, so try to help the instrument sing for me.

[@wapolo1974]

Nice to see you back with a cool new instrument to play! And I’ll be sure to order myself a French theorbo once I’ve won the lottery. ;)

[@RobMacKillop1]

Good luck!

[@CAJMusic]

Great video, as always Rob! Beautiful instrument! Great to see you!

[@RobMacKillop1]

Cheers, Carlos. I’d like to hear you play it!

[@CAJMusic]

@@RobMacKillop1 Would love to try one for sure... never seen a left handed one though... :-(

[@RobMacKillop1]

@@CAJMusic That's no excuse! See: kzbin.info

[@CAJMusic]

@@RobMacKillop1 Oh wow!!!!! Ok now you got me thinking...

[@edwardfosterart3848]

Lovely video and exquisite playing Rob. You are a great inspiration to me and many. I also have a lute made by Adrian and Lawrence. Mine is a beautiful 7 course. They are excellent luthiers and genuinely lovely people. :0)

[@RobMacKillop1]

Cheers, Edward. I can well imagine your 7c is a beauty! Good to hear from you.

[@ignaciotorregrosa9667]

Great to see you again Rob! Fantastic instrument and peaceful playing as always, it's so great to hear you. I've been years willing to get myself a lute but when I check the web I get lost with the offer, my budget...

[@RobMacKillop1]

Thanks, Ignacio. Glad you like it! Yes, everything costs more than it used to. I have sell in order to buy. Such is life!

[@cathymcshannon]

So great to listen and see you again 😊😊😊❤

[@RobMacKillop1]

You’ll have to start KZbin painting classes, Cathy, then I could see and hear you :-)

[@cathymcshannon]

@@RobMacKillop1 haha.. shy and still working on content and learning 😉😘

[@RobMacKillop1]

@@cathymcshannon Me too!

[@cathymcshannon]

@@RobMacKillop1 😊😊you've got it down Rob! xx

[@jurgenb.4611]

Congrats to this exciting instrument for living in your house now! I'll miss the sound of your Ramirez though. And it's a pity your tip jar can't be found. Have a great day, Rob!

[@RobMacKillop1]

Thanks, Jürgen! I’m going through a lot of changes just now, as I look to the future, so expect further surprises...The Tip Jar seems to work well most of the time, and then doesn’t. I don’t know why. Thanks for letting me know.

[@RobMacKillop1]

Does it work now?

[@jurgenb.4611]

Yes, it does. But you were already saved in my PayPal account🙂

[@peeeter4337]

👏

[@Mignarda]

As usual, well done, Rob. If you invite us over for a visit I'd be happy build some bookcases for you.

[@RobMacKillop1]

Haha. We have someone to do that, but we are in lockdown these days. But when that is over, you would be most welcome!, my friend!

[@music41912]

Hi Rob, What a magnificent instrument. Thanks again for such interesting content and beautiful music. Great to see you looking fit as a fiddle. I don’t know if there are any idioms with theorbo? Greetings from Amsterdam.

[@RobMacKillop1]

Hi Wenona. Fit as an ageing fiddle, maybe :-) I hope you are well? Idioms with theorbo? It was the main instrument for accompanying song in the 17th century, and appeared in a few forms in different countries. It also has an interesting solo repertoire. Not sure if that is what you are referring to.

[@joycesanders4898]

..sir Rob,...am currently on the lookout for some of your numerous workbooks/arrangements/etc...do you have a site that you sell works you have had published,...under Mel Bay or any others?

[@RobMacKillop1]

You can download ebooks or order hard copies from Mel Bay site, or order from any of their distributors. Some details also on robmackillop.net

[@maxcuthbert100]

Celestial ! Is this one on consignment,or do you own it ?

[@RobMacKillop1]

This one is mine, though I had to sell in order to buy...the Ramirez now resides elsewhere. A difficult decision, but I’m very happy with how it worked out.

[@mixcoaquense]

Maestro McKillop la miglior parte dei vostri video è qunado lei suona i liuti. Però credo che stavolta ha essagerato con la lentezza del Courante. Affetuoso saluto.

[@RobMacKillop1]

Grazie. Hai letto le prove che ho fornito nelle informazioni sotto il video?

[@mixcoaquense]

@@RobMacKillop1 Infatti, ho seguito le sue spiegazioni, però il mio commento è un punto di vista personale, comunque, credo che lei è un bravissimo interprete.

[@RobMacKillop1]

@@mixcoaquense Ah, amico mio, se la scelta è tra te e Jean Jacques Rousseau, devo scegliere quest'ultimo! Ma apprezzo molto la tua opinione. Auguri! 😀

[@zakbraverman]

So what are the chances of shipping something like that without A) going broke, and B) breaking it? :)

[@RobMacKillop1]

Well, they packed it very well. I’d say it would most likely reach you in one piece. As for going broke, what else would you need in life? :-)

[@PooyaRadbon]

On which original model is it based?

[@RobMacKillop1]

Talbot's measurements. You can read about it on the luthiers' website: www.lutherie.uk/catalogue/theorbos/ - the second instrument on that page.

[@PooyaRadbon]

@@RobMacKillop1 thanks. So a theorbo with only 6 strings and 8 diapason strings is proper for solo French repertoire of the 18th and 17th centuries?

[@RobMacKillop1]

@@PooyaRadbon Yes, Exactly. They came in two sizes, a large one with the first string at A, and a smaller one with the first string at D. So the smaller is a 4th higher than the larger, and easier to play. They called it the théorbe pour les pièces - solos as opposed to continuo playing. Because the music is in tablature, you can play the music on either instrument, and the result will be high or low depending on which instrument you use. But either way, they did not use a 7th string on the fretboard, unlike the Italians.

[@PooyaRadbon]

@@RobMacKillop1 thanks but what a pity, I have a large one with a for the top string which means it is not proper pour les pieces ;( it is from Scheuenberg... Btw most theorbos I see on KZbin people play have at least 8 strings on the fingerboard!!!

[@RobMacKillop1]

@@PooyaRadbon I used to have one with 8 on the fretboard, which was helpful for continuo only. Look at the pictures in Castaldi’s book. They do not show HUGE theorbi. The string length seems shorter. I haven’t studied theorbo for a few years, and can’t remember how many strings Kapsberger uses in his solo works. I think his first book only uses ten (!), with seven on the fretboard. Someone will correct me if I am misremembering. Later books of his demand 14 strings, but again - I think - only seven on the fretboard. They are Italian sources. The French solo repertoire only uses six strings on the fretboard. And, as mentioned, they had a smaller one for pieces, solos, and a larger one for accompanying singers or ensemble work. The confusion comes when we read that, for example, here is a Suite in Am, and the music would be in Am on the large theorbo, not the Dm of the small theorbo. So some people argue that the solo works are therefore for the large instrument. But it could be argued that as the small theorbo was for solo playing (‘pour les pièces’) then it was easier not to think in Dm. It’s a bit like using a capo on a guitar. I can play an Em chord without the capo, then when I put the capo on the third fret and play the same fingering, I still ‘think’ Em even though it is actually Gm. Well, what are we to do? Baroque musicians were very practical. Use what you have, adapt it as best you can, adapt the music if you need to, just find a way to play it. When I gave up playing continuo I realised I didn’t need such a big instrument. The actual key does not matter when you are playing solo - Bach changed keys when arranging for other instruments, for example. And I discovered that the solo French theorbo in D has a more lute-like quality, while at the same time being genuinely single strung. Most original theorbi in Italy were double strung, yet everyone today uses single strings. Question everything 😎