Time stands still

Lute songs on the theme of mutability and metamorphosis by John Dowland and his contemporaries

In the lute songs of John Dowland and his contemporaries, we have a marriage of words and music of equal brilliance. Emma Kirkby is acknowledged worldwide as the greatest modern performer of this repertoire, her crystal-clear tones expressing every shifting nuance. This album of lute songs on the theme of mutability is a fascinating recital, containing some of the masterpieces of the period. She is accompanied by her long-time collaborator Anthony Rooley. In the booklet note, Kirkby discourses learnedly on the works and puts them in their historical context.

CDH55462 45 minutes 56 seconds

‘A fine recital that adds a few welcome items to the recorded repertory of the lute song, engineered close to perfection’ (Gramophone)
‘At the time I thought it the best lute song recital ever, and there are few even now that can match this for quality, on every level (and they're nearly all by Emma, anyway)’ (Early Music Review)