Not Just Dowland: Songs for Soprano and Lute; Carolyn Sampson (soprano), Matthew Wadsworth (lute)

One of the chief delights of this live recording from Wigmore Hall is the opportunity to hear the theorbo at close quarters. Its subtle textures are often lost in the continuo of the baroque orchestra but here in the skilled hands of Matthew Wadsworth it takes centre stage, both as a solo instrument and as an exquisite companion to Carolyn Sampson's sweet, lyrical soprano. Songs and instrumental works by Robert Johnson, Ferrabosco, Monteverdi, Caccini and Merula join examples from Dowland in a ravishing programme of beguiling melancholia.