Search - John Dowland, Robert Dowland :: Dowland: Complete Lute Works, Vol.1-5

Musical Perfection from the Elizabethan Era

Shaw N. Gynan | Bellingham, WA USA | 03/17/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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."

A pinnacle of music

Frank C. | Huntington, NY United States | 12/14/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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."

As Good As It Gets

James Skrydlak | Pella, Iowa | 08/27/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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."