The 'Vaudry de Saizenay' Manuscript is an important musical source that contains music for French Baroque lute and theorbo by many of periods most cherished composers, such as De Visée, Hotman, Hurel, Gallot, Gaultier, etc. The manuscript was compiled sometime in the late seventeenth century by the amateur musician and politician Jean-Etienne Vaudry (1668–1742), the 'seigneur' of Saizenay, Conseiller au Parlement de Besançon.
What is the project about?
It is a personal project to record, for YouTube, all the music that is contained in the manuscript. As my abilities in producing videos and my skill as a lutenist improves, I hope to produce different versions of videos, hence the reason for multiple versions of some of the music.
What has been recorded?
Below you will find a list of pieces, according to page number, as they appear in the manuscript. Titles of the music are expressed sic erat scriptum and any additional information, which may help the modern listener, is included in parentheses.
Who made your instrument?
My theorbo, which is an attempted reconstruction of a French theorbo, was made by Jason Petty in 2011 in Wellington, New Zealand. It has a string length of 84/150cm with 6/8 disposition.
Why have you not made any new videos in some time?
Apologies! This is usually because I am busy with teaching and performing (a good thing for a professional musician!) and/or my personal life. Not to worry, I am always working on the next piece.
How can I support your work?
Please click on the 'Donate' button below to support my project. Any amount received is greatly appreciated.
List of Pieces
60, L'Amant Malheureux, Allemande du V. Gallot
Video
229, Passacaille (de Mr. de Visée in D minor)
Video
256, Prélude de Mr. de Visée (in A minor)
Video
258, Chaconne de Mr. de Visée (in A minor)
Video
285, Courante de Mr. de Visée (in G major)
Video
287, Sarabande de Mr. Le Moyne (in G major)
Video
290, Allemande de Mr. de Visée (in G major)
Video
291, Prélude du mesme (De Visée in G major)
Video
296–298, Les Sylvains de Mr. (François, Le Grand) Couperin, par Mr. de Visée (in G major)
Video
343, Sarabande de Mr. de Visée (in D major)
Video
346, Logistille par Mr. de Visée (in D major; tempo indication Lentement; also known as 'Symphonie' from Jean Baptiste Lully's opera Roland)
Video
401, La Plainte, ou Tombeau de Mesdemoiselles de Visée, Allemande de Mr. leur Pere (in C minor)
Video
408, Prélude du même (De Visée in C minor)
Video
Update Log
12.12.2016
Uploaded 229, Passacaille in D minor
Recorded with Rode condenser mic
8.5.2015
Uploaded 343, Sarabande in D major
Added title introduction to videosSound recorded with external directional microphone
4.5.2015
Started the Saizenay Manuscript Project
Published this blog page