While Dowland’s association with English Catholics on the continent stood against his appointment to a position as lutenist to the court of Elizabeth I, his Firste Booke of Songes, published in 1597 proved an instant success and confirmed its composer’s place among England’s finest musicians. Four superb singers join Thomas Dunford, an expert in Dowland’s art of melancholy, to unlock the collection’s emotionally charged contents.

John Dowland The Firste Booke of Songes or Ayres of Fowre Parts

Iestyn Davies countertenor
Thomas Dunford lute
Mary Bevan soprano
Thomas Hobbs tenor
Neal Davies bass-baritone