Dowland by Michael Butten
First Hand Records, 2019
Buy or learn more via First Hand Records or Amazon
I was very pleased to receive a copy of Michael Button’s new release of works by Elizabethan composer and lutenist John Dowland (1563-1626). Dowland is one of my favourite composers and we are very lucky to be able to play his music which works well on the modern guitar. There are plenty of excellent recordings of Dowland on lute but on guitar Dowland often gets designated as an opening act or prelude to other repertoire so it’s great to see an entire album dedicated to him. Once I start hearing Dowland I don’t want it stop or switch to another era or composer so this is an album to listen to from start to finish.
Dowland by Michael Butten is filled with a wonderful array of Elizabethan lute works ranging from tearful sorrow to joyful bounce. Butten showcases beautiful articulations, phrasing, and sweet resonant tone colours throughout. A sensitive touch on the instrument and rhythmic energy to match, this is an excellent interpretation of Dowland’s works.
Listen to Samples
Repertoire List
1. Preludium
2. A Fancy in E minor
3. Lord Strang’s March
4. Lachrimae Pavan
5. The Frog Galliard
6. Fantasy in E major
7. Sir John Smith’s Almain
8. Can She Excuse?
9. Forlorne Hope Fancy
10. Lady Clifton’s Spirit
11. Mrs White’s Thing
12. Mrs White’s Nothing
13. Tremolo Fancy
14. Loth to Depart
15. Lady Hunsdon’s Puffe
16. Mrs Winters Jump
17. Fancy in B minor
18. Queen Elizabeth’s Galliard
19. The Shoemaker’s Wife
20. Farewell
Recorded at Holy Trinity Church, Weston, Hertfordshire, UK, 30 October – 1 November 2016
Engineered and produced by John Taylor
24bit, 96kHz hi-resolution recording and mastering
Photos taken by Timothy Ellis
Artwork by David Murphy (FHR)
Booklet notes by Graham Wade
Dowland Sheet Music and Lessons
- John Dowland (1563-1626) – Renaissance, England
- Fortune, My Foe by Dowland, Grade 6, Sheet Music or Tab
- Mr. Dowland’s Midnight by Dowland, Grade 4, Sheet Music or Tab
- Mrs. Winters Jump by Dowland, Grade 4, Free Sheet Music or Tab
- Orlando Sleepeth by Dowland, Grade 4, Sheet Music or Tab
- Tarleton’s Resurrection, Grade 6, Sheet Music or Tab
- The Round Battle Galliard, Grade 7, Sheet Music or Tab