Drop Not, Mine Eyes

Description

Named "One to Watch" by Gramophone and winner of the 2022 Handel International Singing Competition, Alexander Chance makes his recording debut with Linn. Drop not, mine eyes is a recital of English lute songs that captures the atmosphere of the past two years to create a program filled with melancholic pieces by Dowland, Campion, Danyel, Purcell, and others. While the very popular Dowland was often inclined towards sadness, as evidenced by the pair I saw my lady weep and Flow, my tears, or In darkness let me dwell, the polymath Thomas Campion favored a more restrained style, as shown in I care not for these ladies. Thomas Ford showcases his more secular side with Fair, sweet, cruel and What then is love. Regarding the expression of melancholy, Grief, keep within and Drop not, mine eyes by John Danyel are just as compelling as Dowland's pieces. The program concludes with Purcell, the other English Orpheus. Toby Carr provides sensitive accompaniment on lute and theorbo.