English Renaissance composer John Dowland was also an accomplished singer and lute player, which is possibly the reason for the large output of songs for which he is best known today. Like much of Dowland鈥檚 music his melancholy lute songs or 鈥楢yres鈥�, a work for solo voice and lute accompaniment, were often inspired by consort songs and the dance music of the time.

To open the performance we have one of Dowland鈥檚 later Ayres, the brooding 鈥業n darkness let me dwell鈥�, which shows influences of early Italian Baroque music, and to conclude is one of his earliest, the wistful song of unrequited love, 鈥業f my complaints could passions move鈥�, based on the rhythms of the galliard.

Probably the best known of his songs though is 鈥楩low my tears鈥�. Starting with a falling motif common in Elizabethan times for representing grief, and based on the pavane dance, this song, originally an instrumental piece, quickly became known as his crowning glory.

In this unique version tenor soloist James Gilchrist has arranged the original lute part for string quartet, performed by our String Principals.

Programme Note 漏 Amy Campbell

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This concert will be available in video format - it will not be possible to have an audience at 麻豆官网首页入口 Hoddinott Hall