John Dowland: In Darkness Let Me Dwell [Import]

John Dowland (Composer), John Potter (Performer), Stephen Stubbs (Artist), John Surman (Artist), Maya Homburger (Artist), Barry Guy (Artist) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: John Potter
• Composer: John Dowland
• Audio CD (February 1, 2000)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Label: Ecm Import
• ASIN: B00002DEH6
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #106,789 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

27 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars In Dowland Let Me Dwell, February 5, 2000

By 

Simon O' Connor (Ireland) - See all my reviews

This review is from: John Dowland: In Darkness Let Me Dwell (Audio CD)

This is an absolutely wonderful release from ECM. Bringing together performers like tenor John Potter, double bassist Barry Guy and baroque violinist Maya Homburgher, it presents a collection of contemporary interpretations of some of Dowland's consort and vocal pieces. Barry Guy has of course been a champion of the double bass for some time now, and his interests in early music put him in fine company with John Potter of the Hilliard Ensemble. Guy's caustic harmonics at times race around what has to be one of the purest unions of reed and voice these ears have ever heard. Potter really embodies the melancholy of so many of Dowland's works, yet at the same time infuses the overall collection with a sense of tranquil sublimity - we are reminded of the finer aesthetics of Dowlands lute parts. Surman works the bass clarinet and soprano sax well (best example is his improvising in "Come Again, Sweet Love..."), although at times his performance was predictable, which is surprising considering much of his previous work. The baroque violin of Maya Homburgher is typically flawless - her harmonics work wonderfully with Guy's double bass to create really visceral tensions. As far as artistic concept, source material, performance and design go, it is just so rare to see records like this being released nowadays - an absolute gem.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Surprising, delightful mix of the old and the new, August 14, 2000

By 

S. Zimmermann (Longmont, CO USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: John Dowland: In Darkness Let Me Dwell (Audio CD)

I bought this on a lark, at the recommendation of Amazon.com's software matchmaker; I didn't know any of the players, but I am familiar with Dowland's work. I popped it in the player along with several other new CDs and went about my business. An hour or so later this disc began to play, and I was stopped in my tracks: there's something so modern and playful about the performances, layered on top of Dowland's familiar sorrowful melodies.

I think the period performance purists will give this one a miss, but anyone with eclectic musical tastes should find plenty to like. Makes me grin every time I put it on, which is quite something for a disc subtitled 'In Darkness Let Me Dwell'.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Dowland Lover, February 8, 2001

By 

L. Strasberg "loissima" (Brooklyn, New York USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: John Dowland: In Darkness Let Me Dwell (Audio CD)

I have had a affection for Dowland for a very long time. I loved "In Darkness Let Me Dwell" the minute I heard it and have played it repeatedly. I enjoy the liberties that were taken with this recording... they are surprising, and only enhance the sentiment of the work. I have many recordings of "Come Again",and this one is different than any other. The instrumental bridge, with it richness, is a wonderful contrast to the linear tenor voice. I am usually a purist with most music that I am familiar with... and it is rare that a new recording exceeds with a new take on the expected.