‘A Concord of Sweet Sounds’ -The Dolmetsch Lute Book in Context and Performance: Eric Thomas

Posted by Friends of Edinburgh University Library on August 2, 2026 · Leave a Comment 

A Joint event with the Friends of the Edinburgh University Library and the Friends of St Cecilia’s Hall

To be held at St Cecilia’s Hall, Niddry Street, Monday, 7 September 2026 at 18:00

Join the Friends of the University of Edinburgh Library on 7 September 2026 for a joint soiree with the Friends of St Cecilia’s Hall at St Cecilia’s Hall for a lute concert This will celebrate the lute manuscript to which the Friends of Edinburgh University Library contributed £10,000. Eric Thomas will be our soloist and guide and there will be a chance to view the manuscript as we gather.

The 17th century lute manuscript, was purchased with support from the Friends of Edinburgh University Library and the Friends of St Cecilia’s Hall. The manuscript is one of the most important surviving sources of music for the lute, a very popular instrument in the 1600s and 1700s.  It was made in Bavaria in about 1620 and is still in its original binding. Written in French lute tablature – an early notation with similarities to modern guitar tabs – the music is international, including pieces by French, Italian and British composers. There are 320 works, 89 of which are not found in any other manuscript and it contains the famous Lachrimae pavan by John Dowland, one of the most significant composers of the day.

Eric Thomas is a lutenist based in Edinburgh. He studied music at Edinburgh University, dividing his time between performance, composition and musicology. As well as his activity in performance and research, Eric is an active teacher, founding the Bruntsfield Guitar School and is also a guitar tutor at Portobello Music School.

Attendees are encouraged to bring guests (a voluntary contribution from guests to help defray the cost of refreshments is greatly appreciated). Refreshments will be served following the talk and concert and there will also be a chance to view the manuscript.

Please let us know by Friday, 28 August if you are able to attend by emailing Alason Roberts, Administrator to the Friends (a.roberts@ed.ac.uk) or write to Alason Roberts; Friends of EUL; Main Library; University of Edinburgh; George Square; Edinburgh EH8 9LJ

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