The Guitar in Tudor London - Professor Christopher Page | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

The guitar in Tudor England was an instrument associated with light and beautiful music, as well as historical and social interest.

Key Insights

• 😒 The use of ciphers and codes on guitars helped individuals keep their correspondence secret during the 16th century in England.
• 🙂 The guitar in Tudor England was associated with both light and beautiful music and historical significance.
• 😘 Players of the guitar in Tudor England included individuals from various social statuses, from high courtiers to lower-class individuals.
• 🎸 The guitar in Tudor England was smaller and had a different tuning than the modern classical guitar, resembling a miniature lute.
• 🖐️ Our understanding of the music played on the guitar during this time is limited, but much of it was influenced by French compositions.
• 🖐️ The guitar played a role in social distinction, as those who played it were considered part of the "best sort" in society.
• 🏤 The guitar in Tudor England was ultimately a European instrument, with influences from Spain, France, and Germany.

Transcript

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Questions & Answers

Q: What was the significance of inscribing ciphers on guitars during the 16th century in England?

The use of ciphers and codes on guitars allowed individuals to hide secret messages in plain sight, as guitars were a commonly seen and handled instrument. This helped individuals keep their correspondence private, especially from government spies.

Q: Who were the typical players of the guitar in Tudor England?

The guitar was played by a range of individuals, including high courtiers, gentlemen of various social statuses, and even lower-class individuals like apprentices and wastrels. The instrument had associations with both sophistication and disrepute.

Q: How did the guitar in Tudor England differ from the modern classical guitar?

The guitar in Tudor England was smaller than the modern classical guitar and had a different tuning. In fact, its tuning was identical to that of a modern baritone ukulele. The instrument was more akin to a miniature lute than a modern guitar.

Q: What evidence exists about the music played on the guitar in Tudor England?

Our understanding of the music played on the guitar during this time is limited to what has been published or copied in manuscripts. Many of the available pieces of music are French in origin, as the guitar was fashionable in Paris during the 16th century.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The guitar in Tudor England was a widely played instrument associated with both light and beautiful music and historical significance.

• The use of ciphers and codes on guitars was not uncommon during the 16th century, as people tried to keep their letters and messages secret from government spies.

• High courtiers, gentlemen, and individuals of various social statuses played the guitar during this time, with the instrument having a range of associations and appeal.