Time Stands Still: Lute Songs by Dowland & His Contemporaries

Dive into the enchanting world of Renaissance music with Emma Kirkby's "Time Stands Still: Lute Songs by Dowland & His Contemporaries." Released in 1987, this captivating album features the ethereal vocals of Dame Emma Kirkby, accompanied by the masterful lute playing of Anthony Rooley. The collection spans 16 exquisite tracks, each a testament to the timeless beauty of early Baroque music.

At the heart of the album is the music of John Dowland, a composer renowned for his poignant and introspective songs. Dowland's works, including "Flow Not So Fast, Ye Fountains" and "Time Stands Still," are complemented by pieces from his contemporaries, such as Philip Rosseter's "What Then Is Love But Mourning?" and Jean Chardevoine's lively "Mignonne allons - Live."

The album's themes of mutability and metamorphosis are beautifully explored through Dowland's lyrics and melodies, offering a profound reflection on the passage of time and the transient nature of life. Kirkby's delicate soprano and Rooley's nuanced lute playing bring these themes to life, creating an immersive and evocative listening experience.

"Time Stands Still" is a celebration of the human voice and the lute, two instruments that have been intertwined in Western music for centuries. Kirkby's crystalline vocals and Rooley's virtuosic lute playing showcase the rich harmonic and melodic possibilities of this pairing, making this album a treasure for lovers of classical, choral, and early opera music.

Dame Emma Kirkby, an English soprano renowned for her exquisite interpretations of early music, has captivated audiences worldwide with her pristine voice and impeccable diction. Born in Camberley, Surrey, Kirkby's journey began as an English language teacher, but her passion for music led her to join the Taverner Consort in 1973, marking the start of a illustrious career. With over 100 recordings to her credit, she has become synonymous with the Renaissance, Baroque, and Classical repertoires, earning her the title of Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 2000. Kirkby's collaborations with pioneers in historical performance and her ability to communicate the essence of vocal music have solidified her status as one of the most celebrated sopranos of our time. Her discography, spanning over four decades, includes a diverse range of works from Hildegarde von Bingen to Amy Beach, each performance a testament to her mastery and grace. Whether performing with lutenist Jakob Lindberg or leading eclectic concert programs, Emma Kirkby's artistry continues to inspire and enchant.