Dowland: the Art of Melancholy ? Lute Songs

Iestyn Davies (countertenor) & Thomas Dunford (lute)

Of all English songwriters, John Dowland has enjoyed the most powerful afterlife, his voice unmistakably present in any version of his songs. The preeminent marriage of music and poetry, the nuanced shades of wit and melancholy and the extraordinary writing for both lute and voice all combine to proclaim Dowland as the father of English song.

Countertenor Iestyn Davies has gained international fame through his operatic performances (including lead roles at the Metropolitan Opera of New York and English National Opera) and recordings (including his Gramophone-Award-winning recording of Arias for Guadagni). Hearing him in this intimate musical setting is a revelation—as is the playing of the young lutenist Thomas Dunford.

Dowland:
 All ye, whom Love or Fortune hath betray'd
 Behold a wonder here
 Burst forth my tears
 Can she excuse my wrongs? (First Booke of Songes, 1597)
 Come again, sweet love doth now invite
 Come away, come, sweet love
 Come heavy sleep
 Flow my teares (Lacrimæ)
 Fortune my foe
 Frog Galliard
 Go Crystal tears
 I saw my Lady weepe
 In darkness let me dwell
 Lachrimae Pavan, P. 15
 Lachrimae, or Seaven Teares
 Mrs Winter's Jump
 Now, O now, I needs must part
 Say love if ever thou didst find
 Semper Dowland Semper Dolens
 Shall I strive with wordes to move?
 Sorrow, stay
 Time stands still

"Sophistication and refinement inform every note of Iestyn Davies's recital...this recording proves that the age of monochrome Dowland is over.
BBC Music Magazine - May 2014 ****

"The range of colour afforded to the songs by Davies yields a recital which stimulates interest and thought over its full 76 minutes; a far cry from many more monochromatic recordings of the repertoire. Young lutenist Thomas Dunford is also a wonderful artist...an excellent accompanist, partnering Davies with great grace. His solos are some of the gems of the album."
Early Music Today