Dowland: Lute Songs (with Britten-Nocturnal)

MusicWeb - Recording of the Year 2008

'The lyrical tone, immaculate diction and musicianship of Britain's finest tenor … He makes the strongest possible case for regarding Dowland as the father of English song with his expressive, deeply-felt accounts of some of the best-known numbers … Kenny's authoritative booklet notes puts the songs into a fascinating historical context' (Sunday Times)

'The opening Unquiet Thoughts introduces the clarity and lightness, as well as the dynamic chading and delicate ornamentation on repeated phrases which are a feature of all that follows … Engagingly written booklet notes by Kenny and a rind recorded sound provide just two more reasons to recommed this as one of the best Dowland recitals on disc to come our way in a long time' (International Record Review)

"A terrific disc which demonstrates how flexibly Dowland's line can be treated in expressing the nuances of the texts."
(MusicWeb Recording of the Month Feb 2008)

'… 'Flow My Tears' is beautifully inflected, though finer still is 'In Darkness let me Dwell', where in the final bars Padmore's enrapt engagement seems to conjure up the very chill of death … With Elizabeth Kenny's insightful support, there is an involvement which even surpasses Paul Agnew's superb Dowland recordings of a decade ago' (BBC Music Magazine)

'Padmore is wonderfully expressive in Flow my teares, which he embellishes fluently. Britten's dreamy guitar solo Nocturnal after John Dowland is sandwiched between the songs and exquisitely played by Craig Ogden' (Classic FM Magazine)

'Having displayed Handelian virtuosity in his highly acclaimed solo release of last year, Padmore brings a more focused drama to his performance here. Kenny's sparse and precise accompaniment allows him to explore his voice as an instrument, sometimes mellow and resonant, sometimes cleaner, reedier, but never resorting to the sort of hollow breathiness that can taint exposed recital work. There is a great control of expression and Padmore's sensitive ornamentation makes the music his own - according to the project's theme - without garish disfigurement. The simple cover slip provides lyrics and detailed notes by Kenny, though Padmore's immaculate diction renders the former almost superfluous' (MusicOMH.com)