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John Dowland
Born 1563, probably in London. English lutenist/songwriter. Dowland's first major appointment was in the service of the English ambassador to Paris, where he became a Catholic. On earning his degree in music from Oxford University (1588) he worked briefly for Queen Elizabeth I, then—unable to secure a permanent court appointment owing to his religion—traveled widely in Europe, passing through London again briefly in 1597. For a half-decade he was employed in Denmark as lutenist to King Christian IV (at Elsinore castle, of Hamlet fame). Following his definitive return to England in 1606, he was named lutenist at the court of James I (1612), for whose funeral he eventually played. Dowland is a major figure in the history of the art song by virtue of his eloquent, often tragic poetry, captivating sense of vocal melody, and highly original uses of chromaticism in the lute part. He is a master of musical atmosphere and mood—often quite doleful. His seven dozen songs, or "ayres," for singer and lute appear in four volumes (1597, 1600, 1603, 1607). The most famous of his songs, Flow My Tears, serves as the point of departure for the fine collection called Lachrimae, or, Seaven Teares Figured in Seven Passionate Pavans for lutes, viols, or violins in five parts (1604). Works
Lute songs (80+)
Lute solos (70+) Fantasias, dances Consort Music
Sacred vocal music |