International Record Review: outstanding; Penguin Guide 3 stars.
John Dowland, a prominent lutenist and composer, faced significant disappointments and challenges throughout his career. In 1594, Dowland was denied the position of court lutenist for Queen Elizabeth I, a rejection he attributed to his Catholic faith. This setback led him to seek opportunities abroad, where he found success at the courts of various European nobility, including the Duke of Brunswick and the Landgrave of Hesse. His travels also took him to Italy, where he interacted with other renowned musicians and navigated dangerous political affiliations.
Despite his talent and reputation, Dowland struggled financially and professionally, often seeking advances on his salary and experiencing periods of instability. His fortunes fluctuated until he was finally appointed as one of the royal lutenists to King James I in 1612, a position he held until his death in 1626.
Dowland's musical legacy includes a substantial body of work: 88 lute songs, 16 psalms and spiritual songs, and 21 dances. His solo lute compositions, while less reliably preserved, showcase his extraordinary melodic inventiveness and emotional depth. His pieces range from light and frivolous to deeply melancholic, often reflecting his personal struggles and the complex emotional landscape of his time.
Jakob Lindberg, an accomplished lutenist, uses historically authentic instruments to bring Dowland's music to life. His recordings and performances highlight the intricate beauty and emotional range of Dowland's compositions, ensuring that this significant body of work continues to resonate with contemporary audiences.
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