Méthode de Luth Baroque. Guide pratique pour le luthiste débutant et avancé

Baroque Lute Method – A Musical and Historical Approach

Once reserved for an elite, the Baroque lute now attracts musicians with its refined sound and rich repertoire. This method, written by Miguel Serdoura, an internationally renowned lutenist, pedagogue, and performer recognized for his commitment to reviving early plucked-string music, is intended for all those wishing to discover or deepen their practice of the instrument—beginners, transitioning guitarists, and experienced lutenists alike.

The approach combines historical rigor, musical discipline, and the pleasure of playing. The pieces are organized progressively, with special attention to sound quality, precision of movement, and stylistic understanding.

Far more than a simple manual, this book offers a living introduction to the aesthetics of the Baroque lute. It draws on historical sources while integrating a structured and accessible contemporary pedagogy. Each chapter is designed to lay a solid foundation for free, sensitive, and historically informed interpretation.

Miguel Serdoura – Lutenist, Educator, Publisher, Founder of Le Luth Doré®

Born in Lisbon, Miguel Serdoura began his musical journey with classical guitar before dedicating himself to the lute, studying in Paris with Claire Antonini and later at the Schola Cantorum in Basel with Hopkinson Smith.

He has performed as a soloist throughout Europe, North America, and Asia, and appeared in a documentary about Hopkinson Smith broadcast on Mezzo and Classica.

He has recorded four critically acclaimed albums for Brilliant Classics (awarded a Diapason d’Or Découverte, Clic from Classiquenews, among others) and published in 2008 a Method for the Baroque Lute with Ut Orpheus, where he also founded the collection La Rhétorique des Dieux.

In 2015, he founded Le Luth Doré®, a publishing house and manufacturer of historical plucked string instruments, dedicated to preserving and transmitting this rich musical heritage.

Le Luth Doré Urtext Editions

Le Luth Doré Urtext Editions offer scores faithful to historical sources, optimized for musicians and musicologists. Our editions combine careful engraving, practical layout, durable materials, and detailed critical apparatus in multiple languages.

Each text is meticulously established note by note to ensure an authentic restitution of the works, including original fingerings and ornamentations, as well as relevant stylistic suggestions.

Created by experts, our editions provide clear readability and enlightened interpretation of early music repertoire.

• Editor(s): Miguel Serdoura
• Musical Period: Baroque
• Instrument(s): Baroque lute 11-course / 13-course
• Instrumentation: Baroque lute solo
• Notation: French tablature
• Modern Edition: Modern edition
• Publisher: Ut Orpheus Editions
• Year of Publication: 2008
• Collection: Lute/Theorbo
• Pages: 364 pp.
• Dimensions: 230x310 mm
• Weight: 1.152 kg
• Binding: Sewn perfect binding
• ISMN: 979-0-2153-2574-6

I. History, Aesthetics & Instrument

The “French lute” in the Grand Siècle – German Baroque music – Musical notation – Tablature – Fingerings – Ornaments – Style – Scordatura – Scales – Composers – Character of pieces – Instrument description – Luthiers – Strings – Maintenance & tips

II. Technique & Progression

Tuning the lute – Technical approach – Exercises 1 to 21 – Pieces groups 1 to 6 – Bass damping

III. Repertoire

Level 1: Beginner – Level 2: Intermediate – Level 3: Advanced – Index by keys – Index by composers

Appendices

Bibliography – Manuscript & printed sources – Libraries – Discography (11 & 13 courses)