Dowland: A Shepherd in a Shade

Released for the first time ever, this concert recording of Jan DeGaetani showcases the legendary mezzo’s work in the field of early music- recorded in 1977, and the peak of her powers. It is a little known fact the DeGaetani’s career started as a performer of early music, so that this disc is a revelatory addition to her discography. The spectacular flexibility and purity of intonation that DeGaetani brought to so many contemporary scores serve her beautifully in this well-recorded document. Accompanied by the great lutenist Paul O’Dette, as well as viola da gamba player Judith Davidoff and a shawm player Philip West, this recital ranges from the Medieval music through the Renaissance, and includes music by John Dowland, Donato de Cascia, Hayne van Ghizeghem, Giulio Caccini, and Oswald von Wolkenstein.