Not Just Dowland
Wigmore Hall live
Carolyn Sampson : soprano
Matthew Wadsworth : lute, theorbo
Songs for soprano and lute by Dowland, Rosseter, Johnson, Grandi et al.
‘Together [Sampson & Wadsworth] weave a superb tapestry of little-known 17th-century vocal music.’
Album of the Week – The Independent
‘The pleasure of her [Sampson's] perfection is enhanced by the diversity of her selection… Short of actually being there, this is live music at its best. Some enchanted evening…’
***** CD of the Week – The Lebrecht Report
‘Not a syllable lost in terms of clarity or potency, whether in the dark drama of Robert Johnson or the sensuality of Caccini’s Amarilli mi bella in this imaginative survey of 16th- and 17th-century song. Wadsworth’s acute sense of phrase and colour is spellbinding.’
Recording of the forthnight – Classical Music Magazine
Prelude – Phillip Rosseter
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Canzonetta Spirituale Sopra Alla Nona – Tarquinio Merula
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The Knight of the Lute
Channel Classics CCSSA 25408
Matthew Wadsworth : lute
Solo recital disc with music from John Downland's Varitie of lute lessons of 1610
‘If one reads reviews of Wadsworth’s earlier recordings, or of his live performances, the same few descriptions seems to recur: “intelligent”, “intimate”, “graceful”, “sensitive”. This release is no different. While many of the selections he has chosen to present on this recording have similar structures. melodies, or turns of phrase, Wadsworth has found a way to bring out what is unique to each selection without being either too blunt or too ostentatious.’
Karen Cook – Early Music America
Fantasie – Gregorie Huwet
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Corronto II - John Perrichon
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Pavin - Alfonso Ferrobosco
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Masters of the lute
Channel Classics CCSSA 24206
Matthew Wadsworth : lute, theorbo
Solo recital disc with works by John Dowland, Robert Johnson, Allesandro Piccinini, Giovanni Kapsberger et al.
‘This is Matthew Wadsworth’s finest release to date… a gem of an album, which exudes intelligence, sensitivity and sheer class… A richly painted recital that really shouldn’t be missed.’
Gramophone Editors Choice
‘A well balanced album of lute treasures… graceful, civilized and intelligent…’
Rick Jones, The Times
‘Wadsworth is an accomplished player, thoroughly at ease with the idioms of this challenging repertoire and technically a master indeed of his instrument.’
Kate Bolton, BBC Music Magazine
‘Wadsworth is surely one of the finest of the recently-emerged generation of players… played with great flair and expressiveness… this is an excellent recording by a first class player, and one that I expect to play over and over again.’
Peter Cains, Lute Society
Toccata Arpeggiata – Giovani Kapsberger
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Forlorn Hope Fancy – John Dowland
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Chiaconna in Partite Variate - Alessandro Piccinini
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Chaconne des Harlequins - Robert de Visée
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When Laura Smiles
Avie AV 2074
James Glichrist : tenor
Matthew Wadsworth : lute
Songs and lute solos by Thomas Rosseter.
‘Matthew Wadsworth’s exceptional lute technique allows Rosseter’s music to shine, while James Gilchrist’s lovely light tenor voice is perfect for this repertoire. He sings with beautiful expression, augmented by subtle and appropriate ornamentation and the interaction between lutenist and singer is exemplary. This is lovely music beautifully performed, and provides a valuable insight into music at the Court of James I.’
D. James Ross, Early Music Forum of Scotland News
‘It’s hard to believe that this is the first album devoted exclusively to the music of Philip Rosseter, lutenist to the court of James I and one-time manager of the Children of the Queen’s Revels. Rosseter’s discographic neglect is all the more surprising given the sheer quality of his lute solos and songs, performed here with great subtlety and expressive nuance by Matthew Wadsworth and James Gilchrist. Wadsworth’s intensely focused playing flows direct from the heart. Recommended.’
Andrew Stewart, Classic FM Magazine
What Then is Love But Mourning – Phillip Rosseter
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When Laura Smiles – Phillip Rosseter
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Prelude – Phillip Rosseter
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Away Delights
Avie AV 2053
Carolyn Sampson : spoprano
Matthew Wadsworth : lute
Lute songs and solos from Shakespeare's England by Robert Johnson.
‘Matthew Wadsworth’s exceptional lute technique allows Rosseter’s music to shine, while James Gilchrist’s lovely light tenor voice is perfect for this repertoire. He sings with beautiful expression, augmented by subtle and appropriate ornamentation and the interaction between lutenist and singer is exemplary. This is lovely music beautifully performed, and provides a valuable insight into music at the Court of James I.’
D. James Ross, Early Music Forum of Scotland News
‘It’s hard to believe that this is the first album devoted exclusively to the music of Philip Rosseter, lutenist to the court of James I and one-time manager of the Children of the Queen’s Revels. Rosseter’s discographic neglect is all the more surprising given the sheer quality of his lute solos and songs, performed here with great subtlety and expressive nuance by Matthew Wadsworth and James Gilchrist. Wadsworth’s intensely focused playing flows direct from the heart. Recommended.’
Andrew Stewart, Classic FM Magazine
Away Delights
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Pavan in C Minor
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Care Charming Sleep
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14 Silver Strings
Deux Elles DXL 1044
Matthew Wadsworth : theorbo
Gary Cooper : harpsichord, organ
Mark Levy : viola da gamba, lirone, violone
Lute songs and solos from Shakespeare's England by Robert Johnson.
‘A ringing endorsement of the beauty of the theorbo in a distinguished recital… Wadsworth has an imperious command of some impressive solo material… he glories in the fleeting mysteries of these works, allowing the notes to speak with unequivocal conviction’
Editor’s choice – Gramaphone Magazine
‘Matthew Wadsworth speaks the baroque language like a native’
BBC Music Magazine
Toccata IX – Giovanni Kapsberger
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Toccata II – Giovanni Kapsberger
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Featured Recording
The Knight of the Lute
A selection of works from John Downland's Varitie of lute lessons of 1610.
Website : Richard Sweeney