Music played a major role in Elizabethan England, both in upper class and middle class households; music instruction was then taken as a matter of course in an ordinary cultural upbringing. The same was true in Denmark, where we know that King Christian IV and his sister were taught as children to play musical instruments, among them the lute.

This was one of the most important and popular instruments in Europe for accompanying one or more singers or for solos. In palaces, country estates, and middle class houses, the lute was cultivated diligently. Many wrote down the music they played or copied the music from others’ books. Many of these manuscripts are extant. In England alone, almost 2000 lute solos have survived from the Elizabethan period to the present day, and this CD contains a selection from this repertoire.

The well-known compositions are recorded here in versions other than those usually played, for instance 'Greensleeves' and the music of John Dowland. In addition to all the amateurs sitting at home cultivating the delights of lute playing, there were a number of professional virtuosos, who travelled from one appointment at the courts of Europe to another. Apart from their music, which is still in existence, little is known about the life and career of these professional lutenists.

The soloist on this recording, Kristian Buhl-Mortensen, has now been active as chamber musician, accompanist and soloist for more than 20 years. He has made recordings, participated in many different performances at The Royal Theatre, broadcast on radio and played in many church and chamber music concerts all over Denmark and abroad.