The lute was the most beloved solo instrument of the Renaissance, but lutenists often doubled the pleasure by performing as duos.  A large repertoire of exciting lute duets survives from throughout Europe, but the pinnacle of this art was achieved in Italy and England.  The leading performers of the time cultivated a style of duets in which the two players challenged each other by trading passages back and forth with increasingly dazzling feats of virtuosity.  This colorfully varied program consists of dances, fantasias, ornamented madrigals, and virtuoso variations on popular ballad tunes.  The high art of dueling lutes!