Phantasm (viol consort)

Highlights from John Dowland's Lachrimæ (1604)

Lachrimæ or seaven teares (1604) is a collection of instrumental music written for five viols and lute composed by John Dowland. It was published n in 1604 when Dowland was employed as lutenist to Christian IV of Denmark and is dedicated to Anne of Denmark. Lacrimae contains of the most tuneful and ravishing melodies of the Elizabethan age. Not all the pieces are dedicated to melancholy. Dowland notes that there are different types of tears. “The teares which Musicke weeps are not always shed in sorrow but sometime in joy and gladnesse”.

Phantasm is recognised as the most exciting viol consort active on the world scene today. Founded in 1994 and directed by Laurence Dreyfus, their numerous recordings have been critically acclaimed and have received several awards. Phantasm is joined by leading luthenist Elizabeth Kenny in this late night evocation of Dowland’s musical magic.

"The playing is quite simply divine" - Gramophone Editor's Choice