Hello all - I’ve been looking into Dowland’s most famous work and found myself struggling to find the recording that gets ‘it’ right for me. I have two recordings: on CD, the one by Fretwork (on Virgin) and digitally, by Phantasm (on Lynn). I like Fretwork’s interpretation better but it sounds a bit dated. Ideas or suggestions to go from here?
1 Like
I’m very fond of this, where Dowland’s pavans are interspersed with pieces by his contemporaries, into a concert programme. John Holloway is hard to beat.
3 Likes
This Dowland selection on ECM is pretty good - I have it on CD. Atmospherically recorded at Forde Abbey, Dorset and featuring John Surman and Barry Guy in the group.
2 Likes
I have several of the albums mentioned above. I like Nigel North’s version but I can’t find its cover. Here are two that Roon recommends:
2 Likes
Paul o’Dette is good with Dowland, and also Nigel North
2 Likes
For Dowland, there is always Sting’s Songs from the Labyrinth.
I’ll get my coat……..
2 Likes
He took his role as protector of the Chosen One very seriously indeed…
O’Dette is also rather good on the Vivaldi lute and mandolin concertos.
I came across the following whilst trying to track down O’Dette: it is worth a listen.
1 Like
Great suggestions, thanks to all. Endlessly fascinating music, isn’t it. I’ve ordered all the ‘traditional’ recommendations here on CD (all were available) and added Jordi Savall for good measure. I’m not sure about Sting’s recording, that is, I hope in time I’ll be able to unhear it.
Cheers
EJ
4 Likes
A few days ago I listened to this for the first time.
Really enjoying it, I’m on my third listen.
Features a tenor called Nigel Rogers. Never heard of him, but he’s go a nice voice.
Some of the the duets are excellent.
Conductor - Jurgen Jurgens.
I think the music on the vinyl is also available on Qobuz.
Definite
1 Like
This is the version of the work for mixed consort (viols and lute) I’ve had for decades.
https://www.discogs.com/release/3255553-Dowland-The-Consort-Of-Musicke-Lachrimae-1604
As for the vocal version “Flow My Tears” from the Second Booke of Songs, 1600, this stands as one of the best early music albums in my large collection of early music.
https://www.discogs.com/release/3735454-Dowland-The-Consort-Of-Musicke-Second-Booke-Of-Songs-1600
2 Likes
Sweelinck wrote a variation on Dowlands Lachrimae. I’m very much a fan of it and played it a lot especially in Lent.
1 Like
I have that one too….
1 Like
I’ve put this one on my Roon “Listen Later” list. Jacob Lindberg is one of my favorite lutenists. I have all his solo stuff on BIS in orginal vinyl form.
1 Like