Wednesday, September 27, 2006

[180.1] A STING IN THE TALE?

Greg Stepanich writes: This might sound a little strange, but here’s a disc I’m looking forward to hearing: Sting does Dowland. Early next month, the prestige classical label Deutsche Grammophon releases a disc of songs by the English Renaissance composer John Dowland (1563-1626). Dowland is celebrated for his lovely melodies and dark sentiments, something that could be applied to the songs of Gordon Sumner as well.Apparently, Sting began playing this music in earnest after getting a lute as a gift. On the album, he’s accompanied by another lutenist, Edin Karamazov, a Bosnian musician. Continued here.

As a bonus, you'll find there a version of Fine Knacks for Ladies, a happier Dowland song, published in 1600. The great tenor Peter Pears sings along with lutenist Julian Bream... bliss.

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