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Oxfam Bookshop Exeter
HAYDN: CONCERTI FOR LIRA
The Lira is a Ukrainian variant of the hurdy-gurdy, an instrument which can trace its history back to the 10th century. it is an evolution of the medieval bowed lira of the Byzantine Empire, ancestor of most European bowed instruments. The Byzantine lira was possibly introduced into Ukraine through the various trade routes to Byzantium.The lira was introduced into Ukraine in the 17th century by Cossacks who had fought in France as mercenary soldiers. The traditional lira has three strings, one on which the melody is played with the aid of a special keyboard, the other two producing a drone of a fifth. The sound is produced by a wooden wheel which is rotated by a crank held in the right hand. This wheel rubs against the strings, setting them into vibration like a bow on a violin.
Around 1785 Haydn received a commission from King Ferdinand of Naples to compose a series of concertos for the Lira. Although aware of the limitations of the instrument, Haydn approached his task with great care; the three concerti recorded here are ensemble concerti in the Baroque style, containing much colourful and interesting music.
Side 1
Lira Concerto No.1 in C major, Hob.VIIh, No.1
1. Allegro con spirito
2. Andante
3. Finale: Allegro con brio
Lira Concerto No.3 in G major, Hob.VIIh, No.3
1. Allegro con spirito
Side 2
Lira Concerto No.3 in G major, Hob.VIIh, No.3
2. Romanze
3. Finale
Lira Concerto No.5 in F major, Hob.VIIh, No.5
1. Allegro
2. Andante
3. Finale
Hugo Ruf , Lira
The sleeve is FAIR; consistent with age; old sticker on front; some foxing on rear cover.
Record graded visually to RRPG grade EXCELLENT.
We recommend that the record is cleaned by a professional to maximise the sound quality.
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