Music From The Time Of Christian Iv: Instrumental Ensemble and Lute Music

Featuring

Jakob Lindberg
Royal Danish Brass
Dowland Consort
Alessandro Orologio
Melchior Borchgrevinck
Nicolas Gistou

Benedict Grep
Jacob Ørn
Gregorio Huet
Anonymous
John Dowland
William Brade
Thomas Simpson
Johann Schop
Jacques Foucart

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Historical Context

Christian IV, King of Denmark, was a generous patron of music, employing up to 80 musicians in his Royal Chapel, which rivaled those of other European rulers.

Historical Context

Christian IV's reign (1588-1648) is considered a rich period in Danish musical history, with the court in Copenhagen holding a significant place on the map of European music.

Composer Biography

John Dowland, an English lutenist who served Christian IV for eight years, was known for his pugnacity and melancholy, as reflected in his lute composition "Semper Dowland, semper dolens" (Always Dowland, always mournful).

Instruments

The lute was one of the most popular instruments around 1600, used by both professionals and amateurs, much like the guitar or piano today, for solo playing, accompaniment, and its portability.

Compositional Technique

Early instrumental music, including the pavans and galliards on this album, often originated from dances but became so stylized that they were no longer meant for actual dancing.

Interpretation

The Dowland Consort was formed by Jakob Lindberg specifically to perform English consort repertoire, featuring London's foremost Early Music specialists.

Performer Biography

Jakob Lindberg, a Swedish lutenist, dedicated himself entirely to the lute after studying at the Royal College of Music and became Professor of Lute there in 1979.