Songs of Passion is a new recording from mezzo-soprano Lea Desandre with the Jupiter Vocal and Instrumental Ensemble and their director and lutenist Thomas Dunford.  It’s ninety minutes of music by John Dowland and Henry Purcell arranged for various combinations of voices plus the instruments; violins, viola, double bass, viola da gamba, recorders, lute, harpsichord and organ.  They are interesting and varied arrangements and suit the range of emotions of the music well.

The Dowland pieces are mostly quite well known and include fare such as the instrumental number “Semper Dowland, semper dolens” and a lively arrangement for multiple voices of “Can she excuse my wrongs”.  There’s also a simple and very lovely arrangement of the “Frog galliard”.

The Purcell numbers are mostly taken from The Fairy Queen and Dido and Aeneas but there’s also a really nice version of “An Evening Hymn on a Ground”.  No rarities here but it’s all done in the proper style with some fine singing from Desandre; who has a very clean, sweet sound, and good ensemble work.  There’s an uncredited bonus track too which is definitely not 16th/17th century.  It’s a really pleasant record to listen to, especially if one is looking to unwind.

The recording was made in the Chapelle Corneille in Rouen in September 2024.  It’s very clean and clear even on the CD quality digital version.  There’s extensive documentation including full texts but there’s really no need for them unless you need French or German translations.

It’s being released as a two CD set and digitally in MP3 and CD quality and 96kHz/24bit lossless.  There’s also Dolby Atmos for the fruit fans.

Catalogue information: Erato 2173282845