Towards the end of the 16th century, luxuriating in grief and sorrow became a cultural phenomenon, with young Elizabethan men often posing as melancholics.
Historical Context
The Elizabethan age, during the reign of Elizabeth I, was a cultural high point in English history, known for Shakespeare's theater and significant literary and scientific achievements.
Historical Context
Public concerts became popular in London during the Restoration of the Stuart Monarchy in 1660, spreading earlier in England than on the Continent and featuring professional musicians.
Historical Context
The solo song with lute accompaniment was cultivated to an unparalleled extent in Elizabethan England, even though the art of song began earlier on the Continent.
Compositional Technique
John Dowland created a musical code for melancholy called the 'Lachrimæ'-motif, which is a descending sequence of tones, as heard in his piece "Flow my tears."
Composer Biography
John Dowland, a composer featured on this album, was the most famous lutenist of his day and a highly valued guest at royal courts across Europe.
Historical Context
After the death of Elizabeth I in 1603, England experienced a period of constant unrest, including civil war and the bubonic plague, until the Glorious Revolution of 1688/89.
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