Description
This is James’ own transcription of the original lute song, inspired by countertenor Alfred Deller’s interpretation of the piece. It captures Dowland’s exquisite melancholy and is an example of James’ mastery of the guitar’s singing qualities. James has long had a fascination with the fragility and beauty of the passing minute. It permeates his interpretative style. The poetry of Louis MacNeice was a constant companion at the time of this recording. Particularly his poem The Sunlight on the Garden.
The sunlight on the garden hardens and grows cold
We cannot cage the minute within these nets of gold…
Along with this inspiration from a more recent time, the original text of Dowland’s song is a subliminal narrative that permeates the ancient melancholy of a work that is now pure music.
Flow, my tears, fall from your springs!
Exiled forever, let me mourn;
Where night’s black bird her sad infamy sings,
There let me live forlorn.
Down vain lights, shine you no more!
No nights are dark enough for those
That in despair their last fortunes deplore.
Light doth but shame disclose.
Never may my woes be relieved,
Since pity is fled;
And tears and sighs and groans my weary days, my weary days
Of all joys have deprived.
From the highest spire of contentment
My fortune is thrown;
And fear and grief and pain for my deserts, for my deserts
Are my hopes, since hope is gone.
Hark! you shadows that in darkness dwell,
Learn to contemn light
Happy, happy they that in hell
Feel not the world’s despite.
Flow My Tears – John Dowland | Digital Download
£5.99
These tracks are from the album Shapes of Sleep.
The full programme is currently only available on CD.
This transcription of the famous lute song was inspired by the haunting artistry of countertenor Alfred Deller. The performance captures something of Deller’s voice as well as the exquisite melancholy of Dowland’s song. Enter a world of quiet, solitude and reverie.
Full description below.
Description
This is James’ own transcription of the original lute song, inspired by countertenor Alfred Deller’s interpretation of the piece. It captures Dowland’s exquisite melancholy and is an example of James’ mastery of the guitar’s singing qualities. James has long had a fascination with the fragility and beauty of the passing minute. It permeates his interpretative style. The poetry of Louis MacNeice was a constant companion at the time of this recording. Particularly his poem The Sunlight on the Garden.
Exiled forever, let me mourn;
Where night’s black bird her sad infamy sings,
There let me live forlorn.
No nights are dark enough for those
That in despair their last fortunes deplore.
Light doth but shame disclose.
Since pity is fled;
And tears and sighs and groans my weary days, my weary days
Of all joys have deprived.
My fortune is thrown;
And fear and grief and pain for my deserts, for my deserts
Are my hopes, since hope is gone.
Learn to contemn light
Happy, happy they that in hell
Feel not the world’s despite.
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