Lute (Lavta)

Lute: The Sound of a Musical Heritage

The lute is a stringed instrument with roots that date back centuries, holding significant historical and cultural value. It appears in various forms and types in regions such as Europe, Greece, Turkey, and especially Crete. Each region has shaped the sound and structure of the lute in its own culturally unique way. Under the Orient Valley brand, high-quality productions of Turkish lute, Greek lute, European lute (Renaissance Lute), and Cretan lute showcase how this instrument has evolved and built bridges across a wide range of uses. The lute has firmly established its place in a wide variety of fields, from traditional music to modern music, with its various shapes, sounds, and playing techniques.

Turkish Lute (Lavta)
The Turkish lute has held an important place in Turkish makam music since the Ottoman period. It stands out as an Istanbul-centered instrument and is commonly used in classical Turkish music orchestras. Here are the main features of the Turkish lute:

1. General Features

   • Body Shape: The Turkish lute has a pear-shaped body, similar to the oud but smaller and thinner in structure.
   • Strings: It typically has 7 strings with paired strings. These strings can be made of nylon or gut.
   • Frets: The Turkish lute is fretted in accordance with the Turkish makam music system, with 26 movable frets that allow for microtones and Turkish makam tuning.
   • Tone: It has a natural, raw, and earthy tone. The sound is brighter but not as full as the oud.

2. Playing Technique

   • The Turkish lute is typically played with a long, thin plectrum.
   • It is used in harmony with other Turkish instruments such as the kemençe.
   • The plectrum is used for both melodic and rhythmic accompaniment.

3. Historical Development

   • The Turkish lute developed in Istanbul during the Ottoman period.
   • It was influenced by earlier instruments like the oud and barbat.
   • It has been used in classical Turkish music, folk music, and even dance music.

4. Modern Usage

   • Although its popularity has waned in recent years, it is still used by some artists and groups in traditional music.

European Lute (Renaissance Lute)
The European lute has been one of the most important instruments in Europe since the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. It was widely used in artistic and intellectual circles, both as a solo and accompanying instrument.

1. General Features

   • Body Shape: The European lute is also pear-shaped but has larger bodies and longer necks.
   • Strings: It has 6 to 13 paired strings. These strings are typically made of gut.
   • Frets: The frets are movable and are typically made of gut, allowing for microtonal music.
   • Tone: The European lute produces a soft, rich, and resonant tone.

2. Playing Technique

   • The lute is typically played with the fingers. The harmonious movements of the thumb and other fingers create polyphonic and melodic structures.
   • While playing, the left hand presses the chords, and the right hand plucks the strings individually or in arpeggios.

3. Historical Development

   • The European lute's roots trace back to the Arab oud in Andalusian Spain.
   • It spread to Europe through Sicily and became widely used in medieval music by the 13th century.
   • During the Renaissance period (15th-16th centuries), it reached its peak, becoming popular in church music and court music.

4. Types

   • Renaissance Lute: With fewer strings, ideal for polyphonic music.
   • Baroque Lute: Has more strings and is played with more complex ornaments.
   • Archlute (Theorbo): With a very long neck and deep tone, used in large orchestras.

5. Modern Usage

   • Today, the European lute is mostly used in historical music ensembles and classical music pieces, particularly for Baroque and Renaissance compositions.

Greek Lute (Louta)
The Greek lute is both historically and culturally significant and is considered an indispensable instrument in Greek music. It is primarily used in folk music and classical Greek music. The Greek lute, sometimes called the "Greek lute," has distinct technical and design features that set it apart from Turkish and European lutes.

1. General Features

   • Body Shape: The Greek lute has a pear-shaped body, but it is slightly larger and rounder than the Turkish lute.
   • Strings: The Greek lute typically has 6 to 7 pairs of strings, made of gut or synthetic materials.
   • Frets: The frets are typically larger and sturdier. Like the Turkish lute, it uses a movable fret system but designed specifically for Greek music.
   • Tone: The Greek lute produces a bright and sharp sound with a rich harmonic structure.

2. Playing Technique

   • The Greek lute is often played with the fingers to enhance its tone, and the plucking technique with the right hand is prevalent.
   • During playing, the thumb and index fingers are generally used to play the chords, while the other fingers create melodic lines.
   • The playing style of the Greek lute generally favors single-line melodies and harmonic playing, though polyphonic playing can sometimes be applied.

3. Historical Development

   • The Greek lute traces its origins back to ancient instruments like the lyra and oud from the Near East.
   • Historically, it evolved through the influence of the Byzantine Empire and later changed with the influence of the Ottoman Empire. By the 19th century, the lute became an essential part of Greek folk music, and the Greeks began using it in their traditional songs.

4. Types

   • Folk Lute: Smaller, lighter lutes used in traditional folk music, often played in village celebrations and festivals.
   • Classical Lute: Larger and more powerful lutes used for concerts and stage performances. These lutes are specifically designed for art music.

5. Modern Usage

   • Today, the Greek lute remains popular in Greek folk music and traditional songs.
   • It is also used in Greek orchestral music and theater music.
   • Greek musical groups and solo artists frequently use the instrument on stage, blending traditional music with modern elements.

Comparison: Greek, Turkish, and European Lutes

Orient Valley, with its deep understanding of this musical heritage and cultural diversity, is one of the rare brands that offers a wide range of high-quality lutes for professional use. Under the leadership of Kamil Gül, Orient Valley stands out in lute production, particularly with its craftsmanship and sound quality. The lutes offered cater to both traditional and modern demands, ensuring excellent performance and aesthetics for musicians at all levels. Orient Valley is committed to rare craftsmanship and quality in lute production, offering a rich selection of lutes to music lovers and positioning itself as a unique choice for lute enthusiasts.