Description
The pieces published in 1682 and 1702 under the name Jacques Bittner are among the better-known prints of music for the 11-course lute in the German-speaking world between Reusner and Weiss.
Celebrated lutenist Andre Henrich records this music for the first time in 40 years. Based in Paris since 2002, Andre Henrich performs today as a soloist as well as a continuo player and chamber music partner, with ensembles of international reputation including Les Arts Florissants, La Simphonie du Marais, Les Musiciens de Saint-Julien and has participated in more than 40 CD-recordings.
As a soloist, Andre performs on various types of lutes, with a repertory reaching from the early 16th to the 18th century, with a special interest in the Italian repertory around 1600 and the French lute-school of the 17th century.
Jacques Bittner was a lutenist and composer of Austro-Bohemian origin. He published 170 pieces for lute in Nuremberg in 1682 and 1683. Little is known about his life, although his music continues to be played in modern times.
"I was struck by how intimate this was […] I am hearing from the lutenist's point of view, almost as though I was there holding the instrument. […] it has a window onto another musical age." – BBC Radio 3, Record Review (Andrew McGregor / Roger Parker)