For recorder, theorbo and baroque cello

Due for premiere by Ensemble 1604 in December 2023

If music and sweet poetry agree,
As they must needs (the sister and the brother),
Then must the love be great ‘twixt thee and me,
Because thou lov’st the one, and I the other.
Dowland to thee is dear, whose heavenly touch
Upon the lute doth ravish human sense

Richard Barnfield 1598

touch, toccare, toccata.

physicality, dexterity, play.

About this piece:

This is a short toccata written about Dowland’s reputed skill as a lutenist.

In the version due for release on TNW Music in 2023 the theorbo player, Alex McCartney, improvised an accompaniment based on the composed bass line and indicated chords.