Favourite Dowland records

[Richard Tarleton]

That was my first Dowland disc too. In spite of everything you say, taken on its own terms, the playing has a wonderful sense of pulse (by no means always the case with lutenists) and great elan.

An example from the disc (well worth hearing): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r1nT...sEWkPSRHaZNlZU

Indeed - didn't mean to knock it. The first lute pieces I learnt on the guitar were all off this LP and inspired by it - Melancholy, Earl of Derby and most of all the Frog Galliards.

In the past the playing of lutenists has often disappointed me (musical lines disappearing, excessive rubato, and that business of "pulse" I mentioned) so I have rarely listened to any in recent years. However, inspired by Richard, I'm going to scour Qobuz and Spotify over the next few days for Lindberg, O'Dette, etc.

My favourite lutenists all started life as either classical or rock guitarists - North, O'Dette - and their playing has plenty of bite . Hopkinson Smith studied both with Eugen Dombois (the first lutenist I heard live, who taught at Basel), and Emilio Pujol the Catalan guitarist - Smith's playing is extremely lively and rhythmic. I agree a lot of lutenists don't match up to the top 3 or 4

As far as Dowland's wonderful Lute Songs are concerned, one thing that really irritates me is when I can't hear or understand the words that are sung. I know my hearing is ... err ... past its prime, but for heaven's sake I wish singers would articulate the bl**dy consonants (including the blessed Emma).

Couldn't agree more - my problem with Davies, I couldn't make out the words. Martyn Hill an example to all.