Date:  Wed, 12 Nov 1997 19:31:15 -0500
From:  Peggy Smith <dj611[AT SYMBOL GOES HERE]CLEVELAND.FREENET.EDU>
Subject: Stupid question dept.

O.K. So I was driving to work this morning listening to a lute piece on
the classical station. When the piece was done, the announcer said
something about the musician, who was described as a lutenist. (I am
guessing at the spelling.) The word was repeated for all of us who
had never heard it before, so I am sure it is correct. My stupid
question is: if a flute player is a floutist, why isn't a lute
player a loutist?

Just wondering.

Peggy Smith