Hans Judenkönig Explained

Hans Judenkönig (also Judenkunig or Judenkünig; c. 1450 – 4 March 1526) was a German lutenist of the Renaissance. He was born in Schwäbisch Gmünd and died in Vienna.

He worked as a lutenist in the vicinity of the University of Vienna and was best known for his two lute books written for the self-teaching of a lay audience.

Works

• Utilis et compendiaria introductio, qua ut fundamento iacto quam facillime musicum exercitium, instrumentorum et lutine, et quod vulgo Geygen nominant, addiscitur Vienna ca. 1515/1519
• Ain schone kunstliche Underweisung in disem Büechlein, leychtlich zu begreyffen den rechten Grund zu lernen auff der Lautten und Geygen Vienna 1523

Recording

• 1994 - The Renaissance Lute - Ronn McFarlane - Dorian DOR-90186 contains five tracks by Judenkönig:

• Madonna katerina

• Christ ist erstanden (Christ is risen)

• Und wer er nit erstanden (And who is not risen)

• Der hoff dantz

• Der hoff dantz (Nach tantz)

Further reading

• Kurt Dorfmüller: Studien zur Lautenmusik in der ersten Hälfte des 16. Jahrhunderts (Tutzing, 1967)

Transcribed for classical guitar, and recorded by Eric Alan Heil. 16th-century court music.