Recently Heard: Songs from the Labyrinth

[ellyssian]

Songs from the Labyrinth, music composed by John Dowland, performed by Sting and Edin Karamazov


I was intrigued when I first heard of this disc: Sting, performing the songs of John Dowland, accompanied only by a lute.

Dowland is the composer to go to for lute - even more so than Bach and others more notable. I have some unaccompanied Dowland music, so I knew going into it that the lute would have a worthy part - I'm more impressed to find out after that, although Edin Karamazov handles the bulk of the lute playing, Sting does join him for some pieces.

The story of the Labyrinth comes from a lute that was made for Sting - the soundboard bears a carved labyrinth figure instead of a more traditional design. The labyrinth also has to do with several events in the story of how Sting and Edin met, and in events that took place in Dowland's life. Those events Dowland describes in a letter, and that letter provides a counterpoint of sorts to the songs that surround it.

The stories - each and every one of them - provide deeper interest into the music, but they do not - as I had originally worried - detract from the music.

This is a beautiful recording, well done. The coils of story add intrigue for the historian. The lyrics and letters provide two different glimpses into the time period as well. Highly recommended for those interested in folk or early music.

Comments

[dangerdean.livejournal.com]

I've listened to the snippets that iTunes provides, and I wasn't overly impressed with Sting's treatment of the songs. I'm willing to give it another shot at some point. Perhaps listening to the entire recording might change my mind.

[ellyssian.livejournal.com]

I think that a lot of folks are used to hearing this kind of music interpreted along with an operatic vocal, which isn't really how they were performed.

The notes for the album are really interesting - he went to great length to work with experts in the field to get the breathing and phrasing as historically accurate as we can. No substitute for having been a fly on the wall when they were first performed, but they're trying to get as close as they can!

I expect some people won't like it because it doesn't sound like a Police or Sting solo album, but I'm fairly sure you're not expecting something like that! =)

[patrixa.livejournal.com]

If you get a chance, then, watch it on the PBS program "Labrynth" because I never knew such music existed until, by chance, I saw. It was thrilling to watch and listen to the music performed and the musical pedants discuss its history. The performances were in several places -- outdoors, in chapel, in an old (castle?) music study and in front of an audience.

[pecosdave.livejournal.com]

That's one movie I always try to keep in my collection, along with the Dark Crystal and The Never Ending Story. Hey, I like my fantasy movies.

[ellyssian.livejournal.com]

Heh. While Dark Crystal is one must-have, I always consider Labyrinth (which has nothing to do with this disc, other than the title appearing in the title, as it were...) to be one of the trinity, along with Legend and Ladyhawk. Willow is another must-have.

[pecosdave.livejournal.com]

Got the Willow base covered, Legend, it's been a long time since I've seen it, like really long time, don't think I've ever seen Ladyhawk. Of course now you've given me ideas for shopping half.com.

[ellyssian.livejournal.com]

Don't forget Princess Bride. Another mainstay. Pirates, swordfights, and giants - how can you go wrong? =)

[pecosdave.livejournal.com]

Yep, seen that one.