John Dowland has over 14 1/2 hours of music waiting for you on this reference boxed set, presided over by early music conductor and lutenist Anthony Rooley. The recordings were L'Oiseau-Lyre from 1976 to 1980. An excellent booklet, containing commentary on the music and song lyrics, is included. The music falls into three categories:
Songs: Dowland's First, Second, and Third Books of Songs, along with the Pilgrim's Solace are included, spread over 4 1/2 discs. Emma Kirkby is the main singer, perhaps the best ever soprano in this repertoire, with Glenda Simpson singing on several pieces. The songs drip with sweet melancholy, and your heart will break. There is also some excellent sacred music to enjoy.
Lute Music: Dowland's wonderful solo lute music is complete, 3 1/2 glorious CDs of it. The pieces are divided among a killer's row of the best lutenists of the 1970s: Anthony Bailes, Christopher Wilson, Anthony Rooley, Nigel North, and Jakob Lindberg. These performances are beautifully & intimately recorded.
Consort Music: The Musical Banquet and other consort music are performed by Rooley's Consort of Musicke. All of it is lovely. You also get a large batch of transcriptions for keyboard played by Colin Tilney.
Do you need this much Dowland? Probably not, but it is rare for such a comprehensive overview of a composer's works to be so consistently enjoyable. There are really no inferior compositions, and Dowland's mastery of his craft is always apparent. With such high quality of performances and warm, intimate sound, there is much to enjoy in this box. You will find your favorites and return to them often.
The set is in VG condition. The booklet has been handled a lot and has some wrinkles, but will serve the new owner just fine.