Life
Hans Judenkünig was a German lutenist, lute maker, and composer of the Renaissance, born in Schwäbisch Gmünd sometime between 1445 and 1450 into a family originally from Württemberg. By 1518 he was recorded as a lutenist active around St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Vienna, working in the orbit of the University of Vienna. He is remembered chiefly for two didactic lute books aimed at self-taught amateur players: the Utilis et compendiaria introductio (Vienna, c. 1515/1519) and Ain schone kunstliche Underweisung (Vienna, 1523), the latter progressing from basic left-hand fingering instruction to full intabulations of vocal polyphony. He died in Vienna in March 1526.
Impact
As the foremost Viennese lutenist-composer of his generation, Hans Judenkünig helped establish the pedagogical lute-tutor tradition in German-speaking lands, producing some of the earliest printed method books teaching tablature reading and fingering directly to amateurs rather than court professionals. His graded, accessible approach—paired with dances and hymn settings like Christ ist erstanden—shaped how Renaissance lute technique was transmitted in print, influencing subsequent German tutors such as those of Hans Neusidler.
Repertoire
Niederländischer Rundtanz, c. 1523
A short, easy Dutch round dance from Judenkünig’s self-instruction lute book, designed for amateur players just beginning the instrument.
Hans Judenkünig – Niederländischer Rundtanz – Lute – Luth — Performed by Luthval · lute
Christ ist erstanden, c. 1523
Judenkünig’s lute intabulation of the German Easter hymn, one of several sacred melodies he arranged for self-taught lute players.
Hans Judenkunig – Christ ist erstanden — Performed by Goût des musique ancienne · lute
Christ ist erstanden-Hans Judenkünig【Renaissance Lute リュート】 — Performed by Lute Garden リュートの庭-Seiko Nagata · lute
Pavana alla Veneciana, c. 1523
A stately Venetian-style pavane demonstrating Judenkünig’s interest in bringing Italianate dance forms into German lute pedagogy.
Hans Judenkunig – Pavana alla Veneciana — Performed by Goût des musique ancienne · lute solo and ensemble
Ain Spaniyelischer Hoffdantz, c. 1523
A Spanish-style court dance included in Judenkünig’s instructional lute book, part of his collection of international dance types for students.
Hans Judenkunig – Ain Spaniyelischer hoff dantz 1/2 — Performed by Goût des musique ancienne · lute