Dowland

Dowland celebrates the story of one of the most important composers to emerge from early modern England. This book contextualizes the geographical, political, religious, cultural, and musical aspects of the life of John Dowland (1563-1626). It provides a window into life as a musician in the Elizabethan-Jacobean era, illuminating the importance of social, courtly, and academic connections as it closely explores the composer’s musical compositions. During his lifetime, Dowland was well-known for his prowess as a performing lutenist who established a reputation not only in England, but also in the German and Italian lands, Denmark, and beyond. His lute solos and duos survive in manuscripts collected across Europe. He also issued four books of lute song-ayres, including the most successful secular music anthology of the era, one collection of consort music, and a theoretical translation, all printed in London. In these publications, Dowland utilized innovative print formats and set new standards for contemporary genres. Collectively, Dowland’s compositions and writings present the self-styled image of a man always seeking more. This book places these activities within a biographical timeline of ongoing artistic, commercial, and reputational pursuits. As a complete record, Dowland captures the entrepreneurial resourcefulness of the foremost musician of his day, a performing composer who understood expected conventions, seized opportunities, and created a musical legacy that still stands firm 400 years after his death.