The Czech Lute

Adam Michna z Otradovic (approx. 1600–1676) composed his song collection „The Czech Lute“ in 1653. It includes 13 strophic songs, each introduced by an instrumental ritornello. This cycle marks the first instance of the ritornello song in the Czech language.

Until recently the nature of these ritornellos was unknown, as the first and second violin parts had disappeared. However a copy of the first violin part was discovered in 2014 by the editor. This unique source allowed him, together with the basso continuo, to present a viable reconstruction of the work even though the second violin part is still unknown.

A performance of the last song is also possible without viola parts.