I thought this would be the best place to ask, but could anyone recommend a CD of John Dowland' work? I was just looking some up to ask a question on the Teacher's forum (straying there too ) and was tempted to buy Semper Dowland Semper Dolens - my son's playing Mrs Winter's Jump on the guitar and it's lovely, so I wanted to hear some more. Any recommendations gratefully received.

Almost anything, but perhaps ensure that you get it performed by a lutenist! I suspect that Desmond Dupre might have made some (fairly old by now) Dowland recordings. Dowland is vastly underrated IMHO.

Thank you - I'll start looking. (And thank you for writing lutenist, before I wrote lutist, lautist or something similar )

Believe it or not, Sting released a fantastic album of John Dowland stuff! It's called "Songs from the Labyrinth", I think it was out some time last year

That's right, on Deutsche Grammophon. I got a copy for Christmas last year and it's lovely - his voice is quite light and (obviously) not operatically trained, and I think it suits the songs very well. Alternatively there is a collection of Dowland songs on Naxos which is also really good, but I can't remember off the top of my head who the performers on it are.

James Bowman's CD, Awake Sweet Love is super if you want to listen to some gorgeous lute songs.

Thanks for the suggestions everyone - it's going to be fun finding out more about these, I think

Steven Rickards (countertenor) and Dorothy Linnell.

I went to Ardingly International Music School last year and was lucky enough to have Steven for technique and also a session with Dorothy. They also gave a recital and it was great to hear the lute songs sung with such passion.

Val

Ps They have also recorded a cd of Campion Songs.