Customer Reviews

Dowland: Complete Lute Works, Vol.1-5

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

First, I should provide a disclaimer. I am only an amateur classical music buff, and a beginning classical guitarist, so I cannot provide the definitive critique of this five-disc set; however, I am unable to resist praising this work.

I was already familiar with and a fan of Dowland's music, but I hesitated getting this set, thinking that over five hours of music for the lute and the opharion (a metal-stringed instrument similar to the lute) would be overkill. Instead, I find myself wishing Dowland had lived another lifetime to provide us with even more of his tremendously varied and always exquisite music.

Paul Odette's playing is technically impeccable and unfailingly inspired by creativity. Dowland's manuscripts leave much to the imagination and intepretative genius of the player, and Odette combines faithful rendering with sparkling and virtuoso improvised ornamentation.

What is most important, naturally, is the result: 400 year old music that sounds remarkably contemporary, fresh. This is not to say that Dowland's music is modern, but rather that the composer captures universal qualities of human emotion and aesthetic sensibility. The many moods range from spritely, happy melodies to deeply contemplative and moving meditations. The careful engineering of this recording (typical of Harmonia Mundi releases) lends the performances a crystalline realism that fills the room with shimmering resonance.

This is music to gladden and soothe the soul in these complex and highly technological times, a gift from the past that will thrill and enlighten generations to come.

Dowland was a genius, and when you have another genius of the lute (Paul O'Dette) playing his music, this music transcends all words that could possibly describe it.

My life is a better and richer one because I own these recordings and THAT is not an exaggeration. These lute works should be heard by every person at least once in their lifetime - they are that vital. In my opinion, they are as important as Bach's Cello Suites, although if I had to choose between these and the Cello Suites, I would choose the Dowland without hesitation.

Dim the lights, enjoy your favorite wine and become lost in a world that is richer and deeper than all of the money in the world could possibly buy. Thank you Mr. O'Dette for your incredible gift for our ears.

This five-volume set of all John Dowland's lute music, including several pieces that may have been composed by others, is as close to perfect as any recording ever made.

Paul O'Dette is a leading Elizabethan music scholar. Faced with the task of creating his own editions for many of these works and selecting the proper edition for others, he has succeeded in using editions that are historically accurate and musically pleasing.

The same goes for his playing. Every phrase is exquisitely shaped, and fits perfectly into each piece. Dynamics, tone production, intonation, and phrasing are impeccable. All in all, O'Dette's playing is both authentic and, at the same time, vital.

I have been learning some of these pieces on classical guitar, and I learn something new about each of them every time I listen.

Dowland's lute music is one of the great treasures of western music. These performances are both expressive and technically flawless. The sound quality is insanely good, and the fat booklet included is a great resource of information. This is indispensible to any music lover.

I bought Volume 1 of this set a couple of years ago. It has become one of my favorite CDs, so I thought I would enjoy the full set. I have not been disappointed. I find the sound quality excellent, the playing superb. The included booklet has a lot of interesting background material. The music is great as background for a dinner party or intimate conversation, but has depth aplenty for concentrated listening. I often listen to it while working at the computer where I swear it improves concentration and productivity!

A few tunes appear more than once as Dowland reused some work, but the arrangements are sufficiently different to be interesting. It is his complete lute works, after all. Some might criticise the set for sounding too much in the same style. It is the work of one composer, and if you happen to like the style, as I do, this is a pro rather than a con.

Another reviewer mentioned obtrusive breathing on the recording. I had listened to Volume 1 for two years before reading the review and had not noticed this. On listening carefully, there is breathing audible, but I do not find it a problem. Perhaps it depends whether one listens to the music or the background.

Five discs of lute music, you say? Never fear; it's fantastic stuff. Sure, the only single-instrument CDs I have are piano, harpsichord, but now I'll add a third instrument. Dowland's music is phenomenal, the playing by O'Dette is superb. Go for all 5 volumes; why limit yourself. Excelsior! Thanks, boys!

O'Dette does an excellent job of playing Dowland, and a few other composers to fill up the last volume. The recording is also excellent. If you listen on headphones, it is just amazing the detail you can hear. The music on these 5 CDs is marvelous: at the same time spectacular and relaxing. It is a boxed set that also comes with a very nice book, reminiscent of the really fancy big books that used to come with boxed sets of classical LPs. I bought a set for myself, and liked it so much I bought a second set as a gift for my sister.

It's great that O'Dette gives us the complete solo works, of course. I have the common reaction to O'Dette: his technique is flawless, his performance unengaging.

Others have remarked on the "heavy breathing" noticeable on the recordings -- it's not heavy breathing, but the movement of his fingers on the gut strings making that sound.

If you are a fan of the music of John Dowland, you must own this CD. The playing is outstanding to say the least.

Considering the extreme paucity of (especially solo) lute recordings currently available worldwide,
but especially in the US, this set becomes an essential "must have" for all lovers of the lute.
Yet it somehow disappoints.
I am sure that Paul O'Dette is brimming over with virtuousity and a technical expertise
that I am hardly one to pass sound judgement upon.
But the recordings have a flatness and monotony;
the songs are rendered with precision, but seem to lack feeling, empathy, or enthusiasm throughout the offering.
It is an impressive compendium, and I'm glad I purchased it.
There are very few lutenists out there producing any music at all, so Mr. O'Dette should certainly be praised
for delivering such a substantial feast to our ears.
It just should have had more flavor.
Where is Konrad Ragossnig when you need him?