Jakob Lindberg

Venture through the royal courts of 17th-century Europe.

Celebrated for his profound musicality, Swedish lute master Jakob Lindberg returns to Melbourne Recital Centre for an intimate performance showcasing the lute’s regal splendour.

While his expertise may be from the Renaissance and Baroque eras, Lindberg’s original musical inspiration was The Beatles, which led him to classical guitar before eventually transitioning instruments to become the John Lennon of the lute that travels the world today.

About the concert

In this one-night-only exploration of the lute at the dawn of 17th-century Europe, Lindberg presents music from across Italy, France, England and Scotland. The influence of royalty on the lutenists featured in this program is evident in their compositions, which date from a time when royal courts would have lute players compete for their employment.

John Dowland and Daniel Bacheler’s careers were spent mostly in Denmark and England, and their works are the epitome of the melancholy and introspective English lute style. While Robert Ballard’s lively compositions were meant for social gatherings and reflect the exuberant spirit of working for Louis XIII of France.

These works, combined with Giovanni Girolamo Kapsberger’s experimental style, Simone Molinario’s expressive themes, the haunting folk melodies of Scotland, and the rich timbres of the Primrose Potter Salon make for an apt exploration of a fascinating time in European history.

Read the Program Notes

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