IN CYTHARIS

The Harp-and-Lute Duo of the XV century

Ailen Monti (Plectrum Lute) – Carolin Margraf (Gothic Harp)

ABOUT US

During our studies at the Schola Cantorum Basiliensis (CH) we specialized in the instrumental repertoire of the 14th,15th and early 16th centuries. Ailen Monti’s research focuses on evidence for the use and function of the harp and lute duo in the 15th century as well as its connection with organ music and intabulation practices of the time. Carolin extensively researches the bray harp, historical playing techniques associated with it, and its prevalence in ensemble music in continental Europe and the British Isles from the 15th to the 17th century.

In our duo the clear articulation of the plectrum lute is juxtaposed by the hypnotic buzz of the gothic harp with its bray pins, a feature that was common for the construction of harps in the early Renaissance and in some places even into the 18th century. The resulting sound is one that to today’s audiences often appears to be reminiscent of instruments like the sitar and is rarely associated with preconceived ideas of sounds that characterized the European Renaissance.

The combination of the respective sonorities and sound colours of our instruments provide a unique and seldom heard listening experience to our audience. Reviving the format of this duo continues to be a source of inspiration and motivation for our ongoing work process.

medieval lute harp 15th century music laute mittelalterlich Basel Basilea Swiss Switzerland

Illustration of a woman in a long dress holding a harp and a man in a hat with a cape playing a lute.

A historical black-and-white illustration of a woman playing a harp and a man playing a lute inside a room with columns and a chandelier.

Medieval manuscript illustration of an angel playing a lute for a seated woman holding a shield, with Latin text "FLEG" and "CVS" above them.

A Renaissance painting of three women playing musical instruments and singing, with gold leaf in the background.

A black and white drawing of a man and a woman in medieval clothing, standing outdoors within a circular frame. The man is playing a stringed instrument, and the woman is holding a harp.

A medieval illustration depicting three figures; a woman in a red dress, a woman in a green dress, and another woman in a brown dress, standing near a table with musical instruments, against a decorative background.

Painting of the Madonna and Child with two angels playing musical instruments, set against a detailed landscape background.

Two angelic children; one playing a harp with long blond hair, and the other playing a lute with curly blond hair, dressed in colorful, ornate garments.

A Christian religious painting depicting the Madonna and Child with two angels playing music, set against an intricate tapestry backdrop and a landscape outside a church window.

Oct

19

MUSIQUE ANSIENNE À SAINT MARIE

Sunday, October 19, 2025
5:00 PM 6:00 PM
Sainte Marie Eglise Centre Ville (map)
Google Calendar ICS

13 Rue du Couvent, 68100 Mulhouse, France

Musique ansienne à Saint Marie

In tabula: Early music for lute, harp and organ

This program explores some of the earliest surviving sources for lute, harp, and organ at the turn of the 16th century. Interestingly, all three instruments share a common type of notation: the tablature – a practical way of writing music for a specific instrument using lines, numbers, and letters to indicate pitch.

Alongside instrumental pieces, ailen monti also sings frottole and romances, reviving a practice common in courtly settings. Inspired by the domestic music-making of noblewomen in italy, france, spain, and germany, the concert evokes an intimate soundscape: women playing together, singing, and accompanying each other for the delight of family and friends. Through this lens, we present a repertoire of dances, songs, and instrumental dialogues that reflect both historical practice and personal expression.

The ensemble in cytharis echoes the popular plucked duo often seen in iconography. The clear articulation of the plectrum lute is juxtaposed by the hypnotic buzz of the gothic harp with its bray pins. The combination of the respective sonorities and sound colours of these instruments provides a unique and seldom-heard listening experience to our audience.

Ailen Monti - Lute and Renaissance guitar

Michela Amici - Gothic harp

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