Credits:

Nigel Rogers

Description:

A masterful performance by Nigel Rogers, a pioneer of early music singingJohn Dowland is one of Englands greatest composers. He was recognized throughout his life as an outstanding lute player, and his songs have always been popular. Dowlands most distinctive trait as a songwriter was likely his remarkable ability to create a musical atmosphere that perfectly suited the poetry. In 1610, Robert Dowland (15911641), the son of John Dowlandwho was then a minor composercompiled a collection of works by various composers titled *A Musical Banquet* and published it under his own name. This collection features a wide range of selections from France, Italy, and England. It was the first lute songbook to adopt this approach, presenting European music from around 1600 to audiences ranging from the court to the common people.Nigel Rogers (1935), a leading tenor in early music, began singing as a boy sopran