Return to Wonderland, Lute Pieces

Return to Wonderland by David Braid

David Braid (b. 1970) is an English composer whose work explores the intersection between early music and contemporary language. Return to Wonderland offers a decidedly modern approach to the Renaissance lute, treated here as a new instrument, free from historical stylistic constraints.

These five pieces highlight its unique qualities: short resonance conducive to lively counterpoint, harmonic clarity from double-strung courses, and a rich sonority without reliance on double stops or full chords. Braid develops a writing style based on minimal textures, expressive silences, and strict independence of voices. By varying tempo and ornamentation, he compensates for the lute’s naturally limited dynamics. These flexible works may be performed independently or in any order, presenting a bold vision of the lute as a “small orchestra” in the service of today’s music.

David Braid – Lutenist, Composer

David Braid’s works have been performed across Europe and the Americas and broadcast on BBC Radio 3. In the UK, he has appeared notably at Wigmore Hall, Purcell Room, and the 1901 Arts Club. His work has been praised by Steve Reich and critics alike, especially for his album on Toccata Classics.

Trained at the Royal College of Music, he studied composition with Edwin Roxburgh and guitar with Charles Ramirez before furthering his research at Oxford and the Krakow Academy of Music. A recipient of several awards, he pursues a career balancing composition and performance.

Le Luth Doré Urtext Editions

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

Each text is rigorously established note by note to ensure an authentic restitution of the works, preserving original fingerings and ornamentation, with stylistic suggestions provided where the sources allow.

All volumes are printed in Europe using professional offset printing, a demanding production choice that ensures precision, stability, and durability—essential for musical reading, performance practice, and long-term preservation.

Created by experts, our editions offer clear readability and an informed interpretation of early music repertoire.

Le Luth Doré Urtext Editions are dedicated to the memory of William H. Roberts († 2024), co-founder and guiding spirit of the collection.

• Editor(s): David Braid
• Musical period: Contemporary
• Instrument(s): 8c Renaissance lute
• Instrumentation: Solo Renaissance lute
• Notation: French tablature
• Modern edition: Urtext
• Publisher: Le Luth Doré Urtext Editions
• Year of publication: 2015
• Series: Contemporary Music Collection
• Pages: 22 pp.
• Dimensions: 230 × 310 mm
• Weight: 0.320 kg
• Binding: Sewn perfect binding
• Cover: Soft cover with flaps, anti-scratch lamination, gold stamping, and spot varnish
• ISMN: 377-0-0017-8810-4

5 Solo Pieces:

All Things Consequent

A Subtle String to Sound

Birthday Song

Return to Wonderland

Two-Part Invention