John Dowland's 'Dowland: Songs for His Elizabethan Patrons' is a captivating collection of medieval melodies, released on 1 February 2006 under the BIS label. This enchanting album, spanning 1 hour and 5 minutes, showcases Dowland's mastery of the lute and his profound understanding of the Elizabethan era's musical nuances.
The tracklist is a treasure trove of Dowland's most revered compositions, including 'Can she excuse my wrongs', 'O sweet woods, the delight of solitariness', and 'It was a time when silly bees could speak'. These intricate pieces, drawn from his iconic Books of Songs, demonstrate Dowland's innovative approach to music and his ability to evoke powerful emotions through his work.
As you immerse yourself in the album's rich soundscape, you will discover a world of elegance and refinement, characteristic of the Elizabethan court. Dowland's music is a testament to the era's cultural sophistication, with each piece meticulously crafted to delight and inspire. From the mournful 'Sorrow stay' to the enchanting 'Fine Knacks for Ladies', every track is a masterclass in musical storytelling.
With 'Dowland: Songs for His Elizabethan Patrons', John Dowland invites you to step into a bygone era, where music was a cornerstone of courtly life. This sublime album is a must-listen for anyone enamoured with medieval music, and a poignant reminder of Dowland's enduring legacy as one of the most celebrated composers of his time.
2006 BIS2006 BIS
Tracks
Book of Songs, Book 1, Can she excuse my wrongs: Can shee excuseJohn Dowland, Emma Kirkby, Anthony Rooley
Book of Songs, Book 2, O sweet woods, the delight of solitariness: O sweet woodsJohn Dowland, Emma Kirkby, Anthony Rooley
Book of Songs, Book 3, It was a time when silly bees could speak: It was a timeJohn Dowland, Emma Kirkby, Anthony Rooley
2nd Book of Songs: I saw my lady weepeJohn Dowland, Emma Kirkby, Anthony Rooley
2nd Book of Songs: Flow my tearesJohn Dowland, Emma Kirkby, Anthony Rooley
2nd Book of Songs: Sorrow stayJohn Dowland, Emma Kirkby, Anthony Rooley
Book of Songs, Book 2, Die not before thy day: Dye not beefore thy dayJohn Dowland, Emma Kirkby, Anthony Rooley
Second Book of Songs: Mourne, mourne, day Is with darknesseJohn Dowland, Emma Kirkby, Anthony Rooley
Book of Songs, Book 2, Fine Knacks for Ladies: Fine knacks for ladiesJohn Dowland, Emma Kirkby, Anthony Rooley
Book of Songs, Book 3, Farewell, too fair: Farewell too faireJohn Dowland, Emma Kirkby, Anthony Rooley
Book of Songs, Book 3, Time stands still: Time stands stillJohn Dowland, Emma Kirkby, Anthony Rooley
Book of Songs, Book 3: Behold a wonder hereJohn Dowland, Emma Kirkby, Anthony Rooley
Book of Songs, Book 3, Daphne was not so chaste as she was changing: Daphne was not so chasteJohn Dowland, Emma Kirkby, Anthony Rooley
Book of Songs, Book 3, Me, me and none but me: Me me and none but meJohn Dowland, Emma Kirkby, Anthony Rooley
Book of Songs, Book 3, When Phoebus first did Daphne love: When Phoebus first did Daphne loveJohn Dowland, Emma Kirkby, Anthony Rooley
Book of Songs, Book 3, Say, Love, If ever thou didst find: Say love If ever thou didst findJohn Dowland, Emma Kirkby, Anthony Rooley
Book of Songs, Book 1, His golden locks Time hath to silver turned: His golden locksJohn Dowland, Emma Kirkby, Anthony Rooley
Book of Songs, Book 2, Time's eldest son: Time's eldest sonneJohn Dowland, Emma Kirkby, Anthony Rooley
Book of Songs, Book 4, "a Pilgrimes Solace", Far from triumphing court: Farre from triumphing CourtJohn Dowland, Emma Kirkby, Anthony Rooley