Lovesick

March 2023
Randall Scotting (countertenor) and Stephen Stubbs (lute) unveil a mesmerizing recital that transcends time and emotion in “Lovesick.” This masterfully curated album takes listeners on a profound journey through rarely heard seventeenth-century songs, predominantly English with tantalizing exceptions. Scotting’s countertenor artistry and Stubbs’ lute virtuosity blend seamlessly to weave a tapestry of lovesickness that resonates with both heart and soul.

The accompanying booklet, adorned with vibrant insights, features essays penned by Scotting and the erudite Wendy Heller. Both contributions underscore the thematic core of lovesickness and its profound influence on music and the human experience. Heller’s discerning analysis illuminates the multifaceted repertoire, inviting listeners to traverse an emotional spectrum across the ages.

The program unveils treasures by renowned composers like Dowland and the Lawes brothers, who encapsulate lovesickness in their evocative creations. Traditional pieces, including the poignant Irish ballad “At the mid hour of the night,” enhance the album’s nostalgic charm. The inclusion of French compositions, notably by Moulinié, introduces a freer, more recitative-like style, while Italian selections by Cesti and the lesser-known Daniele da Castrovillari enrich the linguistic and emotional palette.

Henry Lawes’ compositions stand out as profound expressions of the heart’s yearnings. Scotting’s soaring countertenor, resplendent with beauty, brilliantly captures the essence of these pieces. Yet, the grandeur of his voice occasionally overwhelms the more contemplative songs, where subtlety is sought.

The lute accompaniment by Stephen Stubbs, a luminary in this repertoire, enchants with delicate precision. Stubbs claims moments in the spotlight with solo renditions like “Packington’s Round,” adroitly showcasing his mastery of the bass lute’s nuances.

The album’s accompanying booklet is a treasure trove, offering a sources list and presenting original language texts alongside their English translations. Scotting’s impeccable diction heightens the lyrical experience. A collection of poignant quotations, titled ‘Cure for Lovesickness through time,’ traces love’s tribulations through the ages, adding a layer of depth to the project’s immersion.

In summary, “Lovesick” isn’t merely an album; it’s a transcendent odyssey through the labyrinth of human emotions. Randall Scotting’s countertenor prowess, harmoniously entwined with Stephen Stubbs’ lute mastery, unveils a world where love’s rapture and anguish meld seamlessly with musical finesse. The album’s meticulous curation and thoughtful presentation elevate it beyond a mere recital, transforming it into an exploration of the human heart’s most intricate corners. “Lovesick” is an invitation to reflect on the timeless echoes of lovesickness that resonate through centuries and souls.