Andreas Scholl - English Folksongs & Lute Songs (17th Century)

Some things don't diminsh with age. Some four and a half centuries later, the almost painfully romantic work of John Dowland remains as compelling today as it probably was in the 16th and 17th centuries. Its often soaring melodies and repetition of certain key phrases doubtless evolved into the popular music forms of today - though some use the term "art song" to distinguish work such as Dowland's from contemporary pop and rock in the ongoing battle between "high" and "low" culture. Hopefully such artificial distinctions won't keep people from exploring the music of the past.Another thing that has not diminished with age is the German singer Andreas Scholl's 1996 collection "English Folksongs & Lute Songs." Here Scholl's voice hits such heights of perfection it remains almost indescribable. He seems to perfectly capture the Baroque wailing endemic to this genre. Adjectives such as "heavenly," "dreamy" or "more pleasure than humans deserve" may occur to listeners. The subtle lute accompaniment on the majority of the tracks might seem too drowned into the cathedral reverb mix for some, but it does a remarkable job of providing an almost subliminal backing for the astounding singing. As if to give the excellent lute player, Andreas Martin, his due, three tracks feature solo lute with no vocals. One of them, "Kemp's jigg" really does jig with the best dance rhythm the Elizabethan age can offer. Scholl also sings unaccompanied for "King Henry," which tells the tragic tale of the death of Queen Jane Seymour, and the extremely brief "Go from my window."Some of Dowland's best know pieces appear here, such as "Flow, my tears" and "Behold a wonder here." Other songs will sound familiar to musical time travelers, "Waly, Waly," "The Three Ravens," compliments of those most prolific composers "Anonymous" and "Traditional." Three pieces by Thomas Campion also break up the set. Lyrically, most songs deal with love so painful only death can offer relief. "Lord Rendall" ends the set on an appropriately melancholy note.For those curious about their musical ancestry, this collection provides a perfect introduction to Dowland and his age's song. But those already familiar with this era will likely find much to savor. Many other interpretations exist, so if Scholl's treatment does not suit one's taste, many other avenues exist to explore this incredible and unforgettable music.

I very much enjoyed this recording. I do think the title is a little misleading in that a good majority of the music is late Elizabethan and early Jacobean. That is not a bad thing at all. There are eleven songs by John Dowland and three songs by Thomas Campion. There are five actual folksongs and two are by some character by the name of Anonymous. (giggles, yes I am being silly).When it comes to countertenors, that is an acquired taste of sound and I am VERY picky. Andreas Scholl has a beautiful, smooth and very pleasing voice. To be sure I have gone out of my way to purchase recordings where he is singing. I recommend this album highly.

I am not a fan of the sound of a counter-tenor. I would prefer to hear much of the same repertory sung by a mezzo, say Marilyn Horne or Rise Stevens. That said, Andreas Scholl continues to surprise me. His is not the whiny, nasal sound I associate with a counter-tenor. He has a bright, expressive voice of great passion. And this album does not disappoint. Most of the songs were new to me although I'd heard a few of them in modern arrangements for voice and guitar on other albums such as the superb "Elizabethan Lute Songs" on RCA Gold Seal sung by Sir Peter Pears accompanied by Julian Bream. Also it must be noted that Scholl's command of English is absolute. One would never imagine that English were not his first language.

I love it ... very relaxing pace throughout. It's definitely a keeper I'll play it over and over.

I am sort of biased towards this type of music so I really shouldn't say too much. I truly enjoyed his presentations of this music. If you like this type of music you should own this disc. If you don't try it you just might find something truly exciting.

The CD starts with Behold a Wonder Here (Dowland) and for people familiar with Emma Kirby's rendering, it's a bit of a surprise. Nothing namby-pamby about this: it suits Andreas's range perfectly and he lets go with plenty of oomph.The unaccompanied King Henry is a showcase for his purity of tone. I doubt that other countertenors could pull this song off so well, of those one thinks of at the present time.His expression in My Love Hath Vow'd (Campion) is very varied and playful, but it is so very much a woman's song that I found it hard to take from Andreas Scholl, albeit sung so so well. I had to imagine the composer singing with his own lute, and remind myself over and over again that the singer is quoting the woman in the song ...The preoccupation with sorrow and death of the English composers of the period seems to amuse Andreas somewhat, when he is asked about it, but you would never know it from listening to him sing these sad songs. His steady, pure voice is like a rope drawing you right into the pain. The highlights IMHO are All Ye Whom Love or Fortune Has Betrayed and I Saw My Lady Weep. Heartbreaking.Andreas Scholl describes himself as a singer in the English tradition - despite what others say of him and his German/Swiss musical background. In these archetypal English songs, he proves his point. It is a beautiful, beautful collection.

Although this CD dates from 1996, it has only recently come to my attention and what a charming hour I have been missing. There is a wonderful variety of songs, John Dowland featuring strongly, but also with a good selection from Thomas Campion, a handful of folk songs and a trio of lovely lute solos to round things off. The selection and order of songs has been carefully chosen to avoid any potential for monotony and to prevent the melancholy of Dowland becoming too oppressive. Throughout, Andreas Martin provides a beautiful, unobtrusive, lute accompaniment.Exquisite is a word almost welded to Andreas Scholl, but I really can't think of a better one - just listen to Campion's "My sweetest Lesbia", which is sung with such delicacy, as is "My love hath vow'd", whilst "I care not for these ladies" has a liveliness and humour which stay in my head for hours. The bulk of the CD is of course devoted to John Dowland. Andreas Scholl seems to embody early English music and he has made Dowland his own, his purity of tone and control stripping away all distractions. No CD of Andreas Scholl could ever be described as background or "mood" music, but I defy anyone to listen to this and not feel calmer and refreshed.

This CD is well worth it it's absolutely spot on can't fault it nice one

A wanted gift for brother

In small words: beautifull. Music that comfort me, nice lute sound.I'm happy that this cd in my great collection.

Good piece of work