The Original First and Second Books including Dowland's Original Lute Tablature-Considered the greatest lute virtuoso and composer of the English school in the early 17th Century John Dowland (1563-1626) composed over 80 pieces of solo lute music. His peerless skills as an instrumentalist were hailed by poet Richard Barnfield who referred to Dowland as one '...whose heav'nly touch upon the lute doth ravish human sense.' As a composer Dowland displayed a versatility of mood with works ranging from the lighthearted to the deeply serious exquisitely melancholic vein in which he excelled.

This treasury of part songs and sacred music for one to six voices will delight all lovers of medieval and Renaissance music. Containing a wealth of both religious and secular music from the 12th to the 17th centuries the collection covers a broad range of moods. Approximately half the songs are secular some from the popular tradition and others from the courtly poets and musicians surrounding such musically inclined monarchs. Some of the music contained is printed for the first time. Edited by Noah Greenberg