An ambitious set by Sting explores the world of 16th-century English composer John Dowland. Edin Karamozov accompanies Sting's rough vocals on the lute.

Songs from the Labyrinth: Credits

Composer: John Dowland

Performers: Sting (vocals, readings, archlute), Edin Karamazov (lute, archlute)

Release date: October 10, 2006

Historical Material

Sting intersperses his performance of Dowland’s music with readings from Dowland’s personal letters. The readings provide insight into the Renaissance composer’s historical time period. The special edition also includes bonus material, complete with alternative versions and listening guides for selected tracks. Sir Robert Cecil, the addressee of all letters included on the album, was the 1st Earl of Salisbury, active in the courts of Queen Elizabeth I and King James I.

Track Listing

1. Walsingham (0:38): A brief instrumental introduction on the lute. The title refers to a Norfolk village, famous for an image of the Virgin Mary.

2. Can She Excuse My Wrongs? (2:35): Though once a favorite of the queen, lyricist Robert Devereux, Earl of Essex, ended up being beheaded by Elizabeth I. One wonders if this song foreshadows the earl's swiftly changing status at court.

3. Ryght Honorable: as I have bin most bounde unto your honor … (0:40): A letter from John Dowland to Sir Robert Cecil.

4. Flow My Tears (4:42): This is perhaps Dowland’s best known song, full of mournful pathos.

5. Have You Seen the Bright Lily Grow (2:35): This song was not written by Dowland, but by a younger contemporary, Robert Johnson.

6. Then in time passing on Mr. Johnson died… (0:32): Another letter to Sir Robert Cecil.

7. The Most High and Mighty Christianus the Fourth, King of Denmark, His Galliard (3:01): A tribute to a powerful patron, obviously rather important, given the length of the title. Indeed, King Christianus IV’s sister Anne became Queen of England.

8. The Lowest Trees Have Tops (2:16): Sting describes this song as one of the more “pop”-sounding on the album.

9. And accordinge as I desired ther cam a letter… (0:55): Another letter to Sir Robert Cecil.

10. Fine Knacks for Ladies (1:50): The 4 parts in this ballad were originally arranged on one sheet so that the singers could sit comfortably round a table.

11. From thenc I went to the Landgrave of Hessen… (0:24): Letter to Sir Robert Cecil.

12. Fantasy (2:42): Lute instrumental.

13. Come, Heavy Sleep (3:46): Taken from the First Booke of Songs.

14. Forlorn Hope Fancy (3:08): Lute instrumental.

15. And from thence I had great desire to see Italy… (0:28): Letter to Sir Robert Cecil.

16. Come Again (2:56): One of Dowland’s more joyful airs.

17. Wilt Thou Unkind Thus Reave Me (2:39): Alternating between melancholy and wry humor, the song relates the oft-repeated tale of rejected love.

18. After my departure I caled to mynde our conference… (0:30): Letter to Sir Robert Cecil.

19. Weep You No More, Sad Fountains (2:38): This challenging song required the most vocal coaching from singing teacher Richard Levitt at Schola Cantorum in Basle.

20. My Lord Willoughby’s Welcome Home (1:34): Sting joins Edin Karamazov on a lute duet.

21. Clear or Cloudy (2:47): A humorous ditty that wishes the listener to good fortune.

22. Men say that the Kinge of Spain is making gret preparation… (1:01): Letter to Sir Robert Cecil.

23. In Darkness Let Me Dwell (4:09): A very introspective musing wandering through dissonant harmonies and difficult counterpoint.

Recognition

On May 3, 2007, Songs for the Labyrinth was nominated for Album of the Year in the Classical BRIT Awards.

Though Sting is not thoroughly trained in classical vocal skills, his rough voice lends an earthiness and simplicity to John Dowland’s introspective music.