Description: Dowland recounts the story of one of the most important composers to emerge from early modern England. More than a biography, this book contextualizes the geographical, political, religious, cultural, and musical aspects of the life of John Dowland (1563-1626). The narrative follows the master lutenist on his journeys to France, through the German and Italian lands, and to the Danish and English courts of Christian IV and James I, as he developed a musical style that was at once personal and cosmopolitan.
Review Quotes: "With an engaging narrative style, Grapes parallels Dowland's artistic trajectory with his continental travels across German lands, Italy, and Denmark, to his final return to England, in this long-awaited new biography." -- Katharyn R. Benessa, Independent scholar
"This engaging biography presents Dowland not only as an English musician but a truly cosmopolitan figure who moved among some of his era's most prominent Western European nobles and artisans." -- Linda Austern, Northwestern University"Analyses of vocal works are a particular strength of the new volume, and anyone singing or planning to sing works from the books of airs would do well to look at some of the new interpretationsand insights that Grapes provides. We now have another biographyof this important lutenist-composer, readable and up to date, essential for all early music collections and for modern performers of one of England's most famous and highly regarded composers." -- Gary R. Boye, Notes: the Quarterly Journal of the Music Library Association