Dowland eventually returned to England in 1606 due to debt and was appointed as one of the King's lutes in 1612.
Composer Biography
John Dowland, a distinguished lutenist, failed to secure a position in royal service, allegedly due to being Catholic, and sought employment abroad.
Cultural Impact
John Dowland was Shakespeare's favorite musician, according to Robert Graves, who praised his sorrowful songs for healing the soul with their sweetness and courage.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Dowland is known for epitomizing the fashionable melancholy of his era, even making a pun on his name: Semper Dowland, semper dolens (Still Dowland, always grieving).
Compositional Technique
Dowland's famous Lachrimae or Seaven Teares, for five viols and lute, includes a series of dance-movements and solemn Pavanes based on the theme from his lute-song Flow my teares.
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