Scottish Lute Music

Abstract

Abstract Lutenists were fully established at the Scottish royal court by the late fifteenth century, though the instrument is occasionally mentioned in Scots literature before this time.1 Sir John Graham Dalyell in his Musical Memoirs of Scotland (1849) mentions a number of lutenists belonging to the royal household, the earliest reference being in 1474. Dalyell lists extracts taken from the Household Accounts of the Lords High Treasurers of Scotland showing frequent payments to lutenists during the reign of James III (1460 – 88) and James IV (1488 – 1513). Payments were made to a certain Jacob, but also to his fellow lutenists: John Wardlaw, Rankine, Robert Rudman, Adam Dikeson, Robert Hay, John Ledebetar, Craig, ‘Lindores’, and ‘Gray Steil’.The unfortunate James IV married Margaret Tudor in 1503. During the celebrations he entertained his bride by playing the ‘clarychordes’ and ‘lute’. Margaret had been taught the lute as a child. Kenner or Krennar, her ‘lutar’, is mentioned in English accounts prior to her departure, and was probably English.