The rarest theorbo Allegro by E. G. Baron played on the German Theorbo by Chris Hirst

, theorbo, theorbomusic, lute, tiorba, theorbe The German theorbo is a rare instrument, with very few surviving originals or modern copies in the world. The original Italian theorbo was invented in the early 17th century, adapting a bass lute to make it more powerful and better able to accompany singers. A long extension was added to the neck to accommodate several low bass strings, which stretch from the bridge up to a second pegbox. These strings can only be played open with the right thumb, and are tuned in a scale to the key of the piece being played. Using the plain gut strings of the time, the string had to be that long to sound at such a low pitch. Later, wound strings were invented but the plain gut basses were retained on the theorbo as they ring on less and have a distinctive and powerful tone. The Italian theorbo was very popular as an accompanying instrument during the 17th century, from solo songs to large ensembles and opera. During the 18th century the Italian theorbo was still used,