Thomas Dunford, the renowned French lutenist and guitarist, invites you to immerse yourself in the captivating world of "Songs of Passion," a meticulously crafted album set to release on September 12, 2025, under the prestigious Warner Classics label. This collection is a testament to Dunford's virtuosity and his deep connection with the music of the past, featuring works by John Dowland and Henry Purcell.
The album spans a rich duration of 1 hour and 33 minutes, offering a journey through the intricate and evocative compositions of these baroque masters. Dunford's renditions of Dowland's "First Book of Songs or Ayres," "Lachrimae, or Seven Tears," and "Second Book of Songs or Ayres" showcase his ability to bring to life the melancholic beauty and technical brilliance of Dowland's music. Each piece, from the haunting "Come Again! Sweet Love Doth Now Invite" to the lively "The King of Denmark's Galliard," is performed with a sensitivity and precision that highlight Dunford's exceptional skill.
The album also features a selection of Purcell's most enchanting works, including pieces from "The Fairy Queen" and the iconic "Dido and Aeneas." Dunford's interpretations of these compositions, such as the poignant "When I Am Laid in Earth" and the lively "Echo Dances of Furies," demonstrate his versatility and deep understanding of the baroque repertoire.
"Songs of Passion" is not just a collection of tracks; it is a carefully curated experience that allows you to explore the depths of these timeless compositions. Whether you are a seasoned enthusiast of early music or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience. Thomas Dunford's mastery of the lute and his profound musical insight make "Songs of Passion" a standout addition to any music lover's collection.
Dowland: First Book of Songs or Ayres: No. 1, Come Again! Sweet Love Doth Now InviteJohn Dowland, Thomas Dunford, Lea Desandre, Jupiter, Alex Rosen, Jess Dandy, Laurence Kilsby
Dowland: Lachrimae, or Seven Tears: No. 10, Semper Dowland, semper dolens, P. 9John Dowland, Jupiter, Thomas Dunford
Dowland: First Book of Songs or Ayres: No. 9, Go Crystal TearsJohn Dowland, Thomas Dunford, Lea Desandre, Jupiter, Alex Rosen, Jess Dandy, Laurence Kilsby
Dowland: Lachrimae, or Seven Tears: No. 12, The King of Denmark's Galliard, P. 40John Dowland, Jupiter, Thomas Dunford
Dowland: First Book of Songs or Ayres: No. 5, Can She Excuse My Wrongs?John Dowland, Thomas Dunford, Lea Desandre, Jupiter, Alex Rosen, Jess Dandy, Laurence Kilsby
Dowland: Lachrimae, or Seven Tears: No. 2, Lachrimae antiquaeJohn Dowland, Jupiter, Thomas Dunford
Dowland: A Dream, P. 75John Dowland, Thomas Dunford
Dowland: Second Book of Songs or Ayres: No. 3, Sorrow, StayJohn Dowland, Thomas Dunford, Lea Desandre, Jupiter
Dowland: Lachrimae, or Seven Tears: No. 14, The Earl of Essex Galliard, P. 42John Dowland, Jupiter, Thomas Dunford
Dowland: Second Book of Songs or Ayres: No. 2, Flow My TearsJohn Dowland, Thomas Dunford, Lea Desandre, Jupiter
Dowland: Frog Galliard, P. 23John Dowland, Jupiter, Thomas Dunford
Dowland: First Book of Songs or Ayres: No. 6, Now, o Now, I Needs Must PartJohn Dowland, Thomas Dunford, Lea Desandre, Jupiter, Alex Rosen, Jess Dandy, Laurence Kilsby
Purcell: The Fairy Queen, Z. 629, Act III: If Love's a Sweet PassionHenry Purcell, Thomas Dunford, Lea Desandre, Jupiter, Alex Rosen, Huw Montague Rendall, Jess Dandy, Laurence Kilsby
Purcell: Come, Ye Sons of Art Away, Z. 323: V. Strike the ViolHenry Purcell, Thomas Dunford, Lea Desandre, Jupiter
Purcell: O Solitude, My Sweetest Choice, Z. 406Henry Purcell, Thomas Dunford, Lea Desandre, Jupiter
Purcell: An Evening Hymn on a Ground, Z. 193Henry Purcell, Thomas Dunford, Lea Desandre, Jupiter
Purcell: The Fairy Queen, Z. 629, Act V: ChaconneHenry Purcell, Jupiter, Thomas Dunford
Purcell: The Fairy Queen, Z. 629, Act V: O Let Me Weep, For Ever WeepHenry Purcell, Thomas Dunford, Lea Desandre, Jupiter
Purcell: The Fairy Queen, Z. 629, Act IV: Now the Night Is Chased AwayHenry Purcell, Thomas Dunford, Lea Desandre, Jupiter, Alex Rosen, Jess Dandy, Laurence Kilsby
Purcell: Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626: OvertureHenry Purcell, Jupiter, Thomas Dunford
Purcell: Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626, Act I: Ah Belinda!Henry Purcell, Thomas Dunford, Lea Desandre, Jupiter
Purcell: Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626, Act II: Echo Dances of FuriesHenry Purcell, Jupiter, Thomas Dunford
Purcell: Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626, Act II: Thanks to These Lonesome ValesHenry Purcell, Thomas Dunford, Lea Desandre, Jupiter, Alex Rosen, Jess Dandy, Laurence Kilsby
Purcell: Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626, Act III: The Witches's DanceHenry Purcell, Jupiter, Thomas Dunford
Purcell: Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626, Act III: Thy Hand, BelindaHenry Purcell, Thomas Dunford, Lea Desandre, Jupiter
Purcell: Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626, Act III: When I Am Laid in EarthHenry Purcell, Thomas Dunford, Lea Desandre, Jupiter
Take Me Back to YouDoug Balliett, Thomas Dunford, Lea Desandre, Jupiter