Phantasm - Dowland: Lachrimae - Financial Times

It was a great age. In 1604, while playgoers were in thrall to the first known performance of Shakespeare's Othello, music lovers could revel in the first publication of Dowland's highly original Lachrimae.

This set of seven pieces for viols and lute still sounds as sensuous and beguiling as it must have done then. Partly through its unique combination of instruments, partly through the richness of its harmonies, the melancholy of the music touches a nerve.

Phantasm and lutenist Elizabeth Kenny offer heartfelt playing and add a generous selection of 14 no less enjoyable Dowland dances.