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The Art of Melancholy
Songs by John Dowland
Iestyn Davies (countertenor), Thomas Dunford (lute)
Sophistication and refinement inform every note of Iestyn Davies's recital...this recording proves that the age of monochrome Dowland is over.
The Art of Melancholy
Songs by John Dowland
Iestyn Davies (countertenor), Thomas Dunford (lute)
Purchase product
Sophistication and refinement inform every note of Iestyn Davies's recital...this recording proves that the age of monochrome Dowland is over.
About
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.
Contents and tracklist
Spotlight on this release
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Iestyn Davies on singing Dowland
28th Mar 2014
British countertenor Iestyn Davies talks to Presto's David Smith about his new Dowland recording, The Art of Melancholy, out on 31st March on Hyperion Records.
Awards and reviews
May 2014
Sophistication and refinement inform every note of Iestyn Davies's recital...this recording proves that the age of monochrome Dowland is over.
Early Music Today
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.
