The notation book was compiled in the first half of 17th century in the Duke of Brandenburg palace entourage. Later it was kept in the Prussian Duke archive in Köningsberg (signature A 116 fol.). As of 1946 it has been preserved at the Library of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences.

The notation book contains about 250 pieces for lute and bandora, including separate instrumental parts for consorts. All the pieces were written in the new French style lute tablature notation which was widespread in Poland, Lithuania, Germany and Scandinavia. The manuscript was written in several different hands.

The manuscript includes works of mostly English and German composers: John Dowland, William Byrd, Robert Johnson, Thomas Morley, Hans Leo Hasler, Jacob Pretorius, John Hoskins and others. Many compositions do not have composers or titles mentioned.

The notation book contains works of different genres; including dances: Curante, Pavana, Allemande, Volta, Galiarda, Branles, Polish dances and others. There are also itavolature of vocal compositions of Orlando di Lasso. A great part of the compilation consists of psalms and other protestant chants of the book of songs Der psalter by Lobwasser (first edition 1753).