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Lute Songs of John Dowland: The Original First and Second Books Including Dowland's Original Lute Tablature
Considered the greatest lute virtuoso and composer of the English school in the early 17th century, John Dowland (1563–1626) composed over 80 pieces of solo lute music. His peerless skills as an instrumentalist were hailed by poet Richard Barnfield, who referred to Dowland as one "whose heav'nly touch upon the lute doth ravish human sense." As a composer, Dowland displayed a versatility of mode, with works ranging from the lighthearted to the deeply serious, exquisitely melancholic vein in which he excelled.
Now, in this unprecedented new compilation, musicians and music lovers can enjoy 43 of Dowland's songs, transcribed for voice and guitar by David Nadal, plus two dances for solo guitar. Listeners will be astounded by the amazingly fresh and modern sound embodied in Dowland's numerous innovations of form and harmony.
Comprising all the works in the original First and Second Book of Songs, the music plates have been specially prepared for this edition, including the original solo voice part, complete song texts, a modern transcription for guitar of the original accompaniment, and Dowland's original lute tablature. Attractively bound and presented, this volume is a wonderful opportunity for singers, guitarists, and all music lovers to enjoy these splendid songs — ravishing echoes of the music played and sung in royal courts, chambers, and music halls four centuries ago.
Now, in this unprecedented new compilation, musicians and music lovers can enjoy 43 of Dowland's songs, transcribed for voice and guitar by David Nadal, plus two dances for solo guitar. Listeners will be astounded by the amazingly fresh and modern sound embodied in Dowland's numerous innovations of form and harmony.
Comprising all the works in the original First and Second Book of Songs, the music plates have been specially prepared for this edition, including the original solo voice part, complete song texts, a modern transcription for guitar of the original accompaniment, and Dowland's original lute tablature. Attractively bound and presented, this volume is a wonderful opportunity for singers, guitarists, and all music lovers to enjoy these splendid songs — ravishing echoes of the music played and sung in royal courts, chambers, and music halls four centuries ago.
- GenresMusic
128 pages, Paperback
First published July 10, 1997
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August 29, 2020
This book contains excellent guitar transcriptions for some of Dowland's most famous pieces (including "Come, heavy Sleep" and "Flow my tears"), including complete lyrics as well as notation for voice, guitar, and lute (using idiomatic lute notation).
While some of the pieces are presented at typical guitar pitch, most of them make use of a capo at the third fret to allow voice and guitar to sound in the same key. The author provides a helpful introduction and technical notes on his approach to the guitar transcription.
For a guitarist looking to explore Dowland's repertoire, this volume is the ideal place to start.
While some of the pieces are presented at typical guitar pitch, most of them make use of a capo at the third fret to allow voice and guitar to sound in the same key. The author provides a helpful introduction and technical notes on his approach to the guitar transcription.
For a guitarist looking to explore Dowland's repertoire, this volume is the ideal place to start.
Displaying 1 of 1 review