John Dowland

Genre: Early
Hometown: London

About

John Dowland (1563 - 1626) might properly be considered the first singer/songwriter to the stars, as the 16th century English composer, singer, and lutenist was idolized in the courts of Europe for melancholy songs like "Come, heavy sleep" (the basis for Benjamin Britten's Nocturnal), "Flow my tears," and "I saw my Lady weepe." He even got a gig at the funeral of James I. Today, you're less likely to encounter him through a toe-tapping vocal number like "In darknesse let mee dwell" than you are through his instrumental music, which has undergone a major revival as concert repertoire for classical guitarists.

His most highly regarded 84 ayres for voice and lute, published mainly between 1597 and 1612, elevated the level of English song to high art, matching the gloomy sentiments of the verse, which were so en vogue during his day, with biting discord. His 70-odd pieces for solo lute are widely performed today, and include intricate fantasias, dances and sets of variations.

- Nate Cavalieri

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		Now, O Now I needs Must Part (4:35)
		From Cambridge University Library, Ms.Dd.2.11: I. Piper´s Pavan (8) (4:51)
		From Robert Dowland, Varietie of Lute Lessons: I. The Most Secred Queen Elsiabeth, Her Galliard (41) (1:18)
		I Saw My Lady Weep (4:45)
		All ye whom love or fortune (4:25)
		{A Piece Without Title} (Poulton 51) (2:33)
		Lachrimae, or Seven Tears: I. Lachrimae Antiquae (3:54)
		From Robert Dowland, Varietie of Lute Lessons: II. The Right Honourable Earl of Essex, His Galliard (42a) (1:55)
		From Robert Dowland, Varietie of Lute Lessons: III. The Right Honourable The Lady Clifton´s Spirit (45) (1:56)
		From Robert Dowland, Varietie of Lute Lessons: IV. Sir John Smith, His Almain (47) (2:34)
		From Robert Dowland, Varietie of Lute Lessons: V. Sir John Langton´s Pavan (14a) (5:18)
		From Cambridge University Library, Ms.Dd.5.78.3: I. A Piece Without Title (51) (1:41)
		From Cambridge University Library, Ms.Dd.5.78.3: II. The Lady Russell' s Pavan (17) (4:37)
		From Cambridge University Library, Ms.Dd.5.78.3: III. Mr. Knight' s Galliard (36) (2:14)
		From Cambridge University Library, Ms.Dd.5.78.3: IV. A Pavan (16) (4:52)
		From Cambridge University Library, Ms.Dd.5.78.3: V. asir John Souch' s Galliard (26) (2:11)
		From Cambridge University Library, Ms.Dd.5.78.3: VI. Giles Hobie' s Galliard (29) (1:58)
		From Cambridge University Library, Ms.Dd.5.78.3: VII. Farewell (31) (5:19)
		From Cambridge University Library, Ms.Dd.5.78.3: VIII. A Galliard (27) (2:43)
		From Cambridge University Library, Ms.Dd.5.78.3: IX. Lady Hunsdon' s Puffe (54) (1:29)

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		A sheperd in a shade (2:44)
		Burst forth my tears (4:19)
		Callino (0:58)
		Dowland´s Adieu for Master Oliver Cromwell (4:49)
		Galliards by Mary, Queen of Scots (1:13)
		In darkness let me dwell (3:35)
		Non, o now I needs must part (3:52)
		Lady, if you so spite me (1:57)
		Tarleton's Resurrection (1:56)