John dowland biography lutenist definition

John Dowland (born 1563; buried 20 February 1626) was an Englishcomposer and lutenist.

Dowland music - youtube

He is best known for some beautiful songs which express his unhappiness such as "Come, heavy sleep", "Come Again, Sweet Love" and "Flow my tears". His instrumental music became very popular again in the 20th century.

Life

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We hardly know anything about Dowland's early life. He was probably born in London.

He went to Paris in 1580 where he worked for the ambassador to the French court. He became a Roman Catholic at this time.

What was john dowland known for

In 1594, the job of royal lutenist to Queen Elizabeth I became available. Dowland did not get the job. He said later that it was because he was a Catholic, but there were other Catholic musicians at the English court, so that may not have been the real reason.

Dowland continued to work in Europe instead. He worked for the Duke of Brunswick-Lüneburg in Wolfenbüttel.

He went to Italy where he wanted to study with Luca Marenzio in