Musicians in an Interior (detail)
Leonaert Bramer
c. 1660
37.2 x 46.3 cm.,
Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam
To truly appreciate the role of music in Vermeer's paintings, it is essential to delve beyond the surface-level iconographic meanings, as intriguing as they are. A comprehensive understanding requires familiarity with the musical environment of Vermeer's era, including the instruments featured in his works, their historical context, playing techniques, and the unique sounds they produce. Additionally, knowledge of the music typically played on these instruments during that period is crucial. To bring Vermeer's world closer to those who may not be well-versed in the depth of early music, the following MP3 audio files offer an auditory glimpse into the rich musical tapestry of his time.
Engelsche Fortuyn (1,50 MB)
(Fortune my Foe) In late medieval times people thought fortuna to be their fate. Sweelinck used a fortuna piece by William Byrd (1543–1623) for three variations. The piece is played on a so-called "chest organ," a small organ for home using. performed by
Roland Götz, 1986
Sonata in b-minor (790 KB)
Domenico Scarlatti (1685–1757)
performed by Valda Aveling,
harpsichord made by Thomas Goff
Harpsichord
'Lilli' bolero
Henry Purcell ((1659–1695)
performed on a Flemish Single a petit ravalement after Moermans
by Hendrik Broekmann
Harpsichord
Ciaconna in e-minor (930 KB)
Dietrich Buxtehude (1637–1707)
performed by Lionell Rogg
on a Wittmayer and Feldberg pedal-harpsichord
Anchor che possa dire
Giovanni Antonio Terzi (c.1580–1600),
Private recording
David van Ooijen, 2004 (with Michiel Niessen, lute).
8-course lute after Hieber by Nico van der Waals, 1986.
Two lutes
Canzona (680 KB)
Giovanni Antonio Terzi
Private recording
David van Ooijen, 2004 (with Michiel Niessen, lute).
6-course lute by Stephen Barber, 1998.
String consort archlute (accompaniment)
Sonata 2 opus III, Allegro (2,75 MB)
Arcangelo Corelli (1653–1713),
Musica Amphion,
David van Ooijen, archlute.
from: Corelli - Opera Omnia (Brilliant Classics 92403 10 cd box) 2004.
Archlute after Sellas by Hendrik Hasenfuß, 1991
Orchestra
Water Music (550 KB)
George Frideric Handel (1685–1759)
Bath Festival Orchestra, Yehudi Menuhin
Preambulum in c (1,36 MB)
Vincent Lübeck (1656–1740),
played by Gosse Hulzinga
on the historic Hinsz organ (1738)
in the Broederkerk, Kampen, Netherlands
from:
Baroque Music Sampler
Paduan (540 KB)
William Brade (1560–1630),
performed by recorder ensemble
Flauto Dolce, Sweden.
Recorder
Canzon (400 KB)
William Brade (1560–1630),
performed by the recorder ensemble
Flauto Dolce, Sweden
Recorder
Sonata 4 Opus 1, Adagio (770 KB)
Jacob Nozeman (1693–13–1745), recorder,
David van Ooijen, archlute.
from: Recorders Recorded - Saskia Coolen (Globe GLO 5209) 2004. Archlute after Sellas by Hendrik Hasenfuß, 1991
Recorder
Sonata 1 (800 KB)
Giovanni Battista Fontana (1589–1630)
from: Twelve Sonatas. - Icarus Ensemble (Claves Records CD 50-2203) 2002.
Hilde de Wolf, recorder, David van Oijen, bass lute, made by Stephen Barber, 1999.
Renaissance and early baroque dances
Alman (370 KB)
Orchestra
performed by:
The Accademia Monteverdiana Orchestra
Denis Stevens, Conductor & Musical Director
from:
Baroque Music Sampler
Renaissance and early baroque dances
Gagliarde (570 KB)
Trio
performed by:
The Jaye Consort - Viols, Shawm, Bagpipes and Lute
Desmond Dupré, lute; Harold Lester, harpsichord
Denis Stevens, Conductor & Musical Director
from:
Baroque Music Sampler
Singing (with theorbo or lute accompaniment)
An Evening Hymne (720 KB)
Henry Purcell (1659–1695)
Sytse Buwalda, counter tenor,
David van Ooijen, theorbo.
from: Sacred Arias - Sytse Buwalda (Buwalda Classics BCM 200401) 2004.
Theorbo by Stephen Barber, 1988
Singing (with theorbo or lute accompaniment)
'
Ik kan uw schoon gezicht niet langer derven' (1,55 MB)
Servaes de Koninck (c.1655–1701),
['I can no longer miss your beautiful face'].
Liesbeth Houdijk, soprano,
David van Ooijen, theorbo.
from: Ah! I wish I were a little dog! - Dopo Emilio (Emergo Classics EC 3961-2) 1993.
Theorbo by Stephen Barber, 1988
Singing (with theorbo or lute accompaniment)
Hornpipe (1,00 MB)
Henry Purcell (1659–1695),
performed on an English bentside spinet
by Hendrik Broekmann
English bentside spinet
Lilli' bolero (1,00 MB)
Henry Purcell (1659–1695),
performed on an English bentside spinet
by Hendrik Broekmann
Vivement (430 KB)
from Les Goûts réunïs (1724) by François Couperin (1688–1733)
performed by the ensemble Duo Chelyum.
Viola da gamba
Suite en re majeur (410 KB)
Marin Marais (1656–1728)
performed by Gail Ann Schroeder, viola da gamba,
David van Ooijen, theorbo
from: Marais, Pièces de viole du troisièsme livre (TMD 89801) 1998. Theorbo by Stephen Barber, 1988.
Viola da gamba (with theorbo or lute accompaniment)
Viola da gamba (with theorbo or lute accompaniment)
Ancor che col patire (800 KB)
Riccardo Rognioni (c.1550–1620)
Freek Borstlap, viol,
David van Ooijen, lute.
from: The Spirit of Gambo and Friends (Stockfisch RTD 357.1015.2) 1996.
8-course lute after Hieber by Nico van der Waals, 1986.
Viola da gamba (with theorbo or lute accompaniment)
Suite en re majeur, Sarabande (820KB)
Marin Marais (1656–1728),
Gail Ann Schroeder, viola da gamba,
David van Ooijen, theorbo.
from: Marais, Pièces de viole du troisièsme livre (TMD 89801) 1998.
Theorbo by Stephen Barber, 1988
Almande De Symmerman (240 KB)
very likely Almande The Carpenter (anon.) from The Susanne van Soldt Manuscript (1599)
performed by Joop Klaassen
Virginals
Malle Symen (230 KB)
Silly Simon
(Jan Pzn. Sweelinck) from The Leningrad Manuscript (1646)
performed by Joop Klaassen
Virginals
Courante Daphne (230 KB)
The popular melody "Daphne" as a French "Courante" dance (anon.) also from The Leningrad Manuscript (1646)
performed by Joop Klaassen
Virginals
Song Tune (1,00 MB)
Henry Purcell ((1659–1695),
performed on a Flemish muselaer virginal
by Hendrik Broekmann
Virginals
Song Tune (800 KB)
Henry Purcell (1659–1695)
performed on a Flemish spinet virginal
by Hendrik Broekmann