Sting plans to release a new album in October -- a disc full of 16th century music performed on the lute. According to his Web site, the as-yet untitled set will be issued on the classical label Deutsche Grammophon.

"It's a strange record, a delightful record and I think people will be intrigued by it," Sting says in a video interview on his site. "The album is voice and lute, there are a few four part harmonies that I sing and it's all music from the 16th century."

Sting was given a lute as a gift by guitarist Dominic Miller approximately two years ago. The gift reminded Sting of his long-time fascination with 16th century composer John Dowland who wrote songs especially for the lute.

Dowland, who died in 1626, is perhaps best known for his song "Flow My Tears." "He was really the first singer/songwriter that we know of and so a lot of us owe our living to this man," Sting says of the composer. The idea for the album came to fruition after a meeting with Edin Karamazov, a Bosnian lute player. No track listing has been announced.

Sting begins a summer European tour in Lisbon June 4; the tour also visits Russia, Israel, Scandinavia and Monaco, concluding July 30 in Vilnius, Lithuania.