An excellent argument could be made that with the songs and lute works of John Dowland, the art of melodic writing reached a level of refinement that never has been surpassed. Dowland, who bridged the 16th and 17th centuries, was famous for his own performances of his lute compositions, and it’s likely that Dowland’s frequent revisions and improvisations ensured that no two performances of a piece were exactly the same. A modern performer has to decide which among several editions of a given Dowland piece will best represent the composer’s intentions–many subsequent performers have offered their own interpretations in modern compilations. A lutenist of Nigel North’s caliber can be trusted to use judgment based on a thorough knowledge of Dowland’s works, and on a thoughtful and fact-based study of the instruments he used and playing techniques he likely employed. The result is an immensely satisfying traversal of 24 of Dowland’s most popular pavans, galliards, fantasies, and other pieces, drawn from several respected sources. North brings out each melody and its supporting chordal and contrapuntal accompaniments with a clearly articulated style, unforced and unhurried. His 10-course lute sings with a mellow, full-bodied voice. This is a fine introduction to Dowland’s lute music, and an important interpretive commentary from one of the world’s greatest lutenists.
