Dowland: First Book of Songes

Recorded in 1976 this recording of John Dowland’s First Booke of Songes features Anthony Rooley with The Consort of Musicke and is the first of the series devoted to the complete works of John Dowland.

The British composer and lute virtuoso John Dowland (1563-1626) was the leading English lutenist composer of his time. A sensitive, original melodist, he found his forte in pensive song-soliloquys.

Published in 1597, these viol consort songs show an awareness and appreciation for continental styles – French, German and Italian – which Dowland experienced in his travels earlier in his life. It is probable that some of these songs were written ‘en route’, and indeed long before 1597.

Each a miniature gem, these Ayres are the legacy of Dowland as both the conservative traditionalist and also the great innovator, placing him firmly in company with the best composers of the age.
The arrangements here include both vocal ensemble and solo songs, accompanied by lute and bass viol (tenor songs), lute alone (soprano songs), and viols and lute (viol consort songs).