Dowland: Fancyes, Dreams and Spirits - Lute Music, Vol. 1

John Dowland (Composer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Composer: John Dowland
• Audio CD (June 20, 2006)
• SPARS Code: DDD
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Naxos
• ASIN: B000FGGKFS
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #168,590 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great introduction to lute music, October 3, 2007

By 

Stratohoven (UK) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dowland: Fancyes, Dreams and Spirits - Lute Music, Vol. 1 (Audio CD)

In contrast to John Dowlands commonly perceived notion as a "melancholic" sourpuss, most of the music here is lively and optimistic. Although in my view the lute remains an instrument primarily for evening listening, the music here is very accessible and won't require lots of patience to truly appreciate.

It's very well recorded as well. Treble is clear without being piercing, and the lute is close enough to the mics to feel "intimate", but not so close that much annoying finger scratching is audible.

All in all I find it hard to fault this CD package. Lute music doesn't get better than this.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The music of another time, August 21, 2008

By 

William Timothy Lukeman - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Dowland: Fancyes, Dreams and Spirits - Lute Music, Vol. 1 (Audio CD)

This was my introduction to the music of John Dowland, and it made me eager for more. There's something melancholy but beautiful about the sound of the lute, and this music had me walking slowly through ornate, meticulously tended gardens under a soft twilight. As a newcomer to such music, I can't offer an educated assessment of this recording -- I just know that it moves me deeply, and reminds me that there's more to life than the ten thousand trivialities of the everyday world. Thoughtful, civilized, heartfelt ... it's what we so desperately need at times, and highly recommended.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Value For The Money, April 21, 2007

By 

T. Stevens (Montgomery, AL,United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Dowland: Fancyes, Dreams and Spirits - Lute Music, Vol. 1 (Audio CD)

I purchased this CD as an introduction to John Dowland's instrumental music and it has become a favorite. The sound and clarity of the recording are excellent and Nigel North gives Dowland's music an ethereal yet lyrical quality. This is an excellent recording for the money.