Sylvius Leopold Weiss

Sylvius Leopold Weiss (1687-1750) was a prominent Baroque composer and lutenist known for his exceptional contributions to lute music. Born in Grottkau, Silesia (now part of Poland), and a contemporary of Johan Sebastian Bach, Weiss displayed exceptional talent from an early age and quickly rose to become one of the most esteemed lute virtuosos of his time. The London manuscript is a compilation of Weiss's works that made its way to England. It provides a unique perspective on Weiss's musical style, influenced by the cosmopolitan atmosphere of the British capital. In this manuscript, one can find a diverse range of musical forms and influences, reflecting Weiss's encounters with English, French, and Italian music. The London manuscript includes a delightful combination of galliards, allemandes, courantes, and other dances, as well as charming character pieces and graceful sonatas.