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Singer Emma Kirkby and lutenist Jacob Heringman discuss Dowland's lute songs with Lucie Skeaping and survey great performers past and present.

The Renaissance English composer John Dowland was a prolific writer of songs accompanied by the lute, and the performance of those songs has sustained and informed the careers of many great singers and lute players over the decades. Lucie Skeaping takes a look back at how the interpretation and performance style of Dowland songs has evolved over the last century and plays a selection of recordings from singers and lute players past and present. To help her are studio guests Jacob Heringman, currently one of Britain's foremost lutenists, and the singer Emma Kirkby, whose seminal recordings and performances of Dowland songs have enchanted audiences for many years.

58 minutes

Last on

Sun 4 Aug 2013 13:00

Music Played

  • John Dowland

    If my complaints

    Performers: Barbara Bonney (soprano), Jacob Heringman (lute)

    • Decca.
    • 466 132-2.
  • John Dowland

    Far from triumphing court

    Performers: Russell Oberlin (countertenor), Joseph Iadone (lute)

    • Lyrichord.
    • LEMS 8011.
  • John Dowland

    It was a time when silly bees could speak

    Performers: Emma Kirkby (soprano), Anthony Rooley (lute)

    • Hyperion.
    • CDA 66186.
  • John Dowland

    In darkness let me dwell

    Performers: Robin Blaze (countertenor), Elizabeth Kenny (lute)

    • Helios.
    • CDH 55249.
  • John Dowland

    I must complaine, yet do enjoy my love

    Performers: Charles Daniels (tenor), David Miller (lute)

    • EMI.
    • 5 72266 2.
  • John Dowland

    Go nightly cares (extract)

    Performers: Andrea von Ramm (mezzo-soprano), Studio der Fr眉hen Musik, Thomas E. Binkley (director/lute)

    • Deutsche Grammophon 477 6548.
  • John Dowland

    Fine Knacks for ladies

    Performers: The Consort of Musicke, Anthony Rooley (director/lute)

    • 尝鈥橭颈蝉别补耻-濒测谤别.
    • 425 889-2.
  • John Dowland

    Fine Knacks for ladies (extract)

    Performers: Sting (voice)

    • Deutsche Grammophon.
    • 06025 170 3139.
  • John Dowland

    The lowest trees have tops (extract)

    Performers: Sting (voice), Edin Karamazov (lute)

    • Deutsche Grammophon.
    • 06025 170 3139.
  • John Dowland

    Shall I sue

    Performers: Nigel Rogers (tenor), Thomas E. Binkley (lute)

    • Deutsche Grammophon.
    • 477 6548.
  • John Dowland

    Come again, sweet love

    Performers: Alfred Deller (countertenor), Robert Spencer (lute)

    • Harmonia Mundi.
    • HMC 90245.
  • John Dowland

    Burst forth my tears

    Performers: Catherine King (mezzo-soprano), Rose Consort of Viols, Jacob Heringman (lute)

    • Naxos.
    • 8.553326.
  • John Dowland

    If that sinners sighes be Angels foode

    Performers: Elin Manahan Thomas (soprano), David Miller (lute)

    • Coro.
    • CO 16081.

Broadcast

  • Sun 4 Aug 2013 13:00

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