Dowland: Complete Lute Works, Vol.1-5 [BOX SET] [IMPORT]

John Dowland (Composer), Robert Dowland (Composer), Paul O'Dette (Performer)

Product Details

• Performer: Paul O'Dette
• Composer: John Dowland, Robert Dowland
• Audio CD (November 11, 1997)
• Number of Discs: 5
• Format: Box set, Import
• Note on Boxed Sets: During shipping, discs in boxed sets occasionally become dislodged without damage. Please examine and play these discs. If you are not completely satisfied, we'll refund or replace your purchase.
• Label: Harmonia Mundi Fr.
• ASIN: B0000007HU
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #110,899 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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  #61 in	Music > Classical > Ballets & Dances > Historical Periods > Renaissance (c.1450-1600)
  #64 in	Music > Classical > Featured Composers, A-Z > ( D ) > Dowland, John

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
Dowland did for lute music what Haydn did for the string quartet and Beethoven the piano sonata. The finest lutenist and songwriter of his age--he composed several of the greatest hits of the late 16th and early 17th centuries--the surviving lute works constitute a sort of encyclopedia of the possibilities of the instrument. There are song arrangements, dance pieces, tributes to the composer's friends, even a musical self-portrait. Much of the music is fashionably sad. Lute songs generally deal with the agony of lost love, and Dowland's most popular tune was called Lachrimae (Tears). Paul O'Dette is simply the best lutenist alive. These five discs are available together at a special price, or separately. A reference edition. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

52 of 52 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Musical Perfection from the Elizabethan Era, March 17, 2000

By	Shaw N. Gynan (Bellingham, WA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.

31 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A pinnacle of music, December 14, 2002

By	Frank C. "Frank C." (Huntington, NY United States) - See all my reviews

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.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars As Good As It Gets, August 27, 2002

By	James Skrydlak "mostlymozart" (Mountain View, CA) - See all my reviews

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.