DOWLAND: The Art of Melancholy (Lute Songs) – Iestyn Davies Hyperion

1
Sorrow, stay, lend true repentant tears[3’08]
2
Come again, sweet love doth now invite[4’16]
3
Go, crystal tears[3’19]
4
Mrs Winter’s Jump[0’48]
5
I saw my lady weep[5’43]
6
Flow, my tears, fall from your springs[4’45]
7
Can she excuse my wrongs?[2’23]
8
Behold a wonder here[3’04]
9
Semper Dowland semper dolens[7’02]
10
In darkness let me dwell[3’52]
11
Time stands still[4’05]
12
All ye whom Love or Fortune hath betrayed[4’29]
13
Say, Love, if ever thou didst find[2’01]
14
Lachrimae[5’37]
15
Come away, come sweet love[2’05]
16
Shall I strive with words to move?[2’01]
17
Burst forth, my tears[4’54]
18
Fortune my foe[2’47]
19
Come, heavy Sleep[3’55]
20
Now, oh now I needs must part – The Frog Galliard[6’19]

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.