After the British Library acquired the manuscript Add MS 38539 in 1912, it was initially assumed that the initials "ML" on the cover might refer to Matthew Locke. However, it later emerged that this initials had been applied before Locke's birth, whereupon the manuscript reverted to its more formal catalog title. During the historical performance movement, the work eventually became known as the "Sturt Lute Book," based on the assumption that the lutenist Sturt, who worked for Prince Henry, had compiled it in the 1620s. Robert Spencer, in his 1985 facsimile edition, simply referred to it as "ML" and cautiously suggested a connection to a "Margaret," whose name appears on several pages.
... It is believed that some of the pieces in the book may have originated from Margaret's lute lessons—possibly taught by Sturt or a member of the court of James I. The collaboration of many contributors is particularly striking: fifteen different scribes simultaneously entered music and passed on the manuscript. The musical content ranges from passages in the style of Renaissance diminution to more recent playing techniques in which the thumb is used solely for the bass.
Characteristic of the collection is the piece "The Flying Horse," which, as "The Winged Horse," reflects the book's central theme. The mythological Pegasus here symbolizes the music, which is characterized by an ostinato bass and an inspiring, exotic A-flat major chord. This blend represents the stylistic diversity and the connection between past eras.
The ornamentation in the "ML" book reflects a fashion that not only enhanced musical expression but also highlighted the lute's emotional potential. Ornaments played with the left hand, in particular, were considered highly expressive and were often associated with the French lute school. Analyzing these techniques reveals the evolution of musical expression and the diverse range of timbres that could be produced on the lute.
Works by composers such as Robert Johnson and Robert Dowland, including "The Battle Galliard," exemplify the creativity and expressiveness of that era. These pieces reflect cultural tensions and testify to the importance of the French dance masters, whose melodies and techniques shaped aristocratic musical life.
Traditional songs and melodies, such as "The Noble Man," were included in the repertoire, demonstrating the diversity and distinctiveness of the music of this period. Many of these pieces were closely linked to contemporary theatrical performances and social events. Overall, the collection showcases the artistic flourishing of the time and underscores the enduring relevance of this music to the present day.