Iestyn Davies, Elizabeth Kenny

‘Shakespeare in mind’ – songs with lute inspired by the great poet-playwright in his 400th anniversary year, performed by two of the genre’s finest modern-day exponents.

17th-century musical settings of Shakespeare are surprisingly rare, but his influence was still felt. Songs from the plays are mixed here with other Shakespeare-related music.

Counter-tenor of the moment Iestyn Davies has been described by Opera Now as ‘vocally ravishing and intelligent’. Together with first lady of the lute Elizabeth Kenny, he gives the second concert in a four-part series of BBC Radio 3 Lunchtime Concerts celebrating Shakespeare’s 400th anniversary.