John Dowland was one of the greatest masters of writing music for the lute. When he reached the pinnacle of his career he was Christian IV’s court lutenist in Copenhagen for eight years. He was rumoured to be an English spy, or maybe people envied his annual salary of 500 thalers. Indeed, Tobias Hume could only dream of making such an amount. He earned his money as a mercenary and nearly had to go with Gustav Adolf’s army when they marched into Mecklenburg. So captain Hume could only be a part-time viola da gamba genius. Nevertheless, in 1607 he also arranged his "Poeticall Musicke" for lutes clearly thinking of the orpharion. English musicians made this lute instrument with its metal strings popular at the Danish court, too. That is why one of three remaining original examples is kept in the Museum of Musical History in Copenhagen and serves as model for almost all modern copies. Listening to an orpharion is a rare treat. Listening to a duet of orpharions is practically unheard of. Don’t miss the opportunity.