• Anon – Medieval Suite

    Three of Don’s favourite dance tunes from Medieval Europe – La Danse de Cleves’ from 15th Century France, ‘Lamento di Tristan’ from 14th Century Italy, and ‘Trotto’, a lively tune from 14th Century England.  We have no surviving records naming the original composers, and only the melody exists in manuscript sources for these pieces.  Don has recreated the bass lines and harmony to reflect musical practice thought typical for the time.   All three are in the lovely Medieval Dorian Mode (or ‘scale pattern’ as we would call it these days).    

  • Haydn – Cello Concerto No. 1: Adagio

    This graceful flowing melody (adagio) by Joseph Haydn was originally for cello and orchestra, and is the slow movement from his Cello Concerto Number 1. Franz Joseph Haydn German: (31 March 1732 – 31 May 1809) was an Austrian composer of the Classical period. He was pivotal in the evolution of chamber music forms like the string quartet and piano trio. His contributions to musical form have led him to be called “Father of the Symphony” and “Father of the String quartet” In this arrangement, Don has shortened the original considerably.

  • Dowland – Flow my Tears

    “Flow My Tears” is an aire (“ayre”) or lute song composed by English renaissance lutenist and composer John Dowland (1563-1626). It was originally composed as an instrumental under the name Lachrimae pavane in 1596, and became Dowland’s signature tune. It is believed that Dowland wrote the lyrics shortly thereafter to the melody of his pavane.