John Dowland - The Sound of Tears (Massimo Marchese)

Information

Composer: John Dowland

1. Sir John Smith, His Almain, P. 47 (From Varietie of Lute Lessons)
2. Preludium, P. 98 (From The Margaret Board Lute Book)
3. Lachrimae, P. 15 (From Folger Dowland Manuscript)
4. The Shoemaker’s Wife, A Toy, P. 58 (From Cambridge University Library, Ms. Dd.9.33)
5. Semper Dowland Semper Dolens, P. 9 (From The Euing Lute Book)
6. What If A Day, P. 79 (From The Dowland Lute Book)
7. Resolution, P. 13 (From Cambridge University Library, Nn. 6.36)
8. Complaint, P. 63 (From Cambridge University Library, Ms. Dd.2.11)
9. Solus cum sola, P. 10 (From The Euing Lute Book)
10. Fortune My Foe, P. 62 (From William Barley, A New Booke Of Tabliture)
11. Sir Henry Umpton’s Funeral, H. 9 (From Lachrimae, or Seaven Teares)
12. A Dream, P. 75 (From Hirsch Lute Book)
13. Tarleton’s Resurrection, P. 59 (From The Wickhambrook Lute Book)
14. Dr. Case’s Pavan, P. 12 (From Cambridge University Library, Ms. Dd.2.11)
15. Mr. Dowland’s Midnight, P. 99 (From The Margaret Board Lute Book)
16. Lachrimae tristes, H. 4 (From Lachrimae, or Seaven Teares)
17. A Piece Without Title, P. 78 (From The Euing Lute Book)

Massimo Marchese, lute

Date: 2026

Label: Aulicus Classics

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John Dowland holds a unique place in music history as both a pioneering composer and a virtuoso lutenist whose international fame transcended religious obstacles and a notoriously melancholic temperament. Immortalized by poet Richard Barnfield for his "heavenly touch," Dowland blended a profound emotional intensity with refined contrapuntal rigor. While contemporary audiences frequently associate him with the somber aesthetic of his famous pavane, Lachrimae, his extensive catalog remains surprisingly multifaceted. Spanning around one hundred solo pieces, numerous songs, and seminal works for viol consort, Dowland’s expressive compositions always remain perfectly idiomatic to his instrument.

Italian lutenist Massimo Marchese is globally recognized as one of his generation's most refined early music performers. After studying at the Royal College of Music under Jakob Lindberg and specializing with masters like Paul O’Dette, Marchese established a prolific career as a soloist and continuo player. His discography spans over 18 recordings, including pioneering world-first monographic albums dedicated to composers like Francesco Spinacino and Robert de Visée. A dedicated musicologist and educator, Marchese has directed numerous European early music festivals, taught at the Alessandria Conservatory, and performed across major global cultural capitals.