Pièces Pour Théorbes Français

Released in 2000 by the Spanish label Glossa, this recording features lutenist José Miguel Moreno performing works for the French theorbo, a large, long-necked lute popular in the 17th century. The album focuses on the refined and intricate repertoire of the French school, which was known for its 'style brisé'—a technique of arpeggiating chords to create a delicate, harp-like resonance. Moreno, a specialist in historical plucked instruments, recorded this project to capture the contemplative and nuanced character of instruments by builders such as Voboam, which were central to the intimate music of the French court.

The production serves as a significant contribution to the early music revival, emphasizing period-accurate performance practice and the specific acoustic qualities of the theorbo. Glossa, a label noted for its dedication to high-quality Baroque and Renaissance recordings, sought to provide a definitive showcase for Moreno’s technical prowess and his deep understanding of 17th-century French aesthetics. Upon its release, the album was well-received by classical music critics for its technical precision, clarity of sound, and its success in bringing a somewhat obscure, specialized instrument into a modern listening context.