I had not intended to suggest a descent relationship, I would not be surprised if the lute descended from the oud, perhaps through Moorish Spain, or some other common source as you suggest.
Listening to the music I was wondering if they are playing set pieces, or improvising within structured forms. There is more the feel of jazz than the rigidity of a lot of classical western music playing.
Ha I see what you mean; I picked music that had a lot of improvisation.
I find some set pieces can be rather long, rather like Indian Raga.
Also the fretless nature of the Oud allows musicians considerable choice in the pitch of each note, which can be difficult for the western ear. Notes may be sharpened or flattened by varying degrees, so not corresponding to multiples of a semitone. Yes Jazz does come to mind.
Pleased you liked it; have you heard the instrument before?
David.
I have heard it before – we have a few CDs of middle eastern music, first introduced, I think, through one of world music compilations that were popular about 20 years ago.
I also like the kora of West Africa, which seems to have some musical overlap too (to my tone-deaf ear), even if the instrument is quite different.
David A Lockwood 
Wonderful music. The oud looks (and sounds) as if it must be a close relative of the lute.
Yes, but I think you will find that some say it is the other way round.
I think they were both divergent from the same source……
David.
I had not intended to suggest a descent relationship, I would not be surprised if the lute descended from the oud, perhaps through Moorish Spain, or some other common source as you suggest.
Listening to the music I was wondering if they are playing set pieces, or improvising within structured forms. There is more the feel of jazz than the rigidity of a lot of classical western music playing.
Ha I see what you mean; I picked music that had a lot of improvisation.
I find some set pieces can be rather long, rather like Indian Raga.
Also the fretless nature of the Oud allows musicians considerable choice in the pitch of each note, which can be difficult for the western ear. Notes may be sharpened or flattened by varying degrees, so not corresponding to multiples of a semitone. Yes Jazz does come to mind.
Pleased you liked it; have you heard the instrument before?
David.
I have heard it before – we have a few CDs of middle eastern music, first introduced, I think, through one of world music compilations that were popular about 20 years ago.
I also like the kora of West Africa, which seems to have some musical overlap too (to my tone-deaf ear), even if the instrument is quite different.