Лютневая Музыка XVI-XVII Веков

Released by the Melodiya label in 1974, this record is perhaps the most famous musical hoax in Soviet history. Attributed to the lutenist Vladimir Vavilov, the album was presented as a collection of lute music from the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, featuring works by composers such as Francesco da Milano and John Dowland. In reality, much of the music, including the legendary 'Ave Maria' long misattributed to Giulio Caccini, was composed by Vavilov himself. He created these pieces to bridge a perceived gap in the historical record, operating under the guise of an authentic scholarly compilation.

The aesthetic of the album was designed to evoke a sense of timeless Renaissance authenticity, relying on the stylistic conventions of the era to ensure the music felt appropriately archaic to listeners and critics alike. The deception was remarkably successful for years, as the compositions were widely accepted as genuine period pieces. It was only after Vavilov’s death that researchers began to uncover the true origins of the compositions, transforming the record from a mere musical performance into a fascinating historical artifact of artistic impersonation.