

CKD527M
Originally recorded in June 2016
Classical
This item is temporarily unavailable.
About
Summing up the Renaissance preoccupation with melancholy, this extraordinary collection of dance music for viols and lute includes Dowland's 'signature' piece, Semper Dowland semper Dolens. Dowland reveals a personal world of sublime sadness, grief, anger and melancholy mollified by moments of joy and gladness.
A skilled lutenist, Dowland's intricately-worked parts demand perfect synchronicity between Phantasm and Elizabeth Kenny, who rise to the technical and tempi challenges of marrying their instruments.
The popularity of Dowland's music in his own lifetime continued through the centuries with Lawes, Jenkins and Gibbons all paying homage to Dowland's 'Tears'. Although freed from lyric constraints poetic images linger prompting Phantasm's Laurence Dreyfus to describe this as ‘the most sensuously tuneful hour of music ever written'.
Please login to post a review
Reviews
Critics' Choice 2016
"... Phantasm's performances of Dowland's complete Lachrimae or Seaven Teares collection delight in some of the best tunes of the 1600s, but also dig deep into the complex psyche of its melancholy composer, revealing Dowland's richness, changeability and exquisite musical subtlety."
The Strad Recommends
"...Subtle and intimate performances of Dowland’s tear-stained viol cycle."
Chamber Choice
Performance ***** Recording *****
"... Under the laser-sharp direction of Laurence Dreyfus, the viol consort Phantasm here offers the same flawless playing that has earned its members consistent, well-deserved accolades. Despite the brooding nature of the music, their sound is luminous and tempos are fluid, highlighting Dowland's lyricism..."
"... The CD is beautifully presented, with readable and insightful booklet articles by Dreyfus and Elizabeth Kenny. Download characterised his seven pavans as 'passionate', and one an send the true passion of Dreyfus and his performers in what has all the hallmarks of a classic recording."
"...This set of seven pieces for viols and lute still sounds as sensuous and beguiling as it must have done then. Partly through its unique combination of instruments, partly through the richness of its harmonies, the melancholy of the music touches a nerve. Phantasm and lutenist Elizabeth Kenny offer heartfelt playing and add a generous selection of 14 no less enjoyable Dowland dances." ****
Performance ***** Recorded Sound ***** Booklet Note ***** Overall Presentation *****
"... The organic development of motifs, the constant attention to melodic beauty, the stomach-churning harmonic volte faces make the complete publication a masterpiece...a valuable addition to our understanding of this remarkable publication, and Dreyfus and Kenny's excellent programme notes give us further valuable players' insights into this extraordinary music..."
Media Downloads
Whenever possible we provide a high resolution CD cover image and a PDF version of the CD booklet for you to download and keep.
These are found in your history if purchased and once you have logged in.









My Wish List

