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The melancholic John Dowland (1563-1626), the greatest
English lute composer of that Golden Age was, even in his own lifetime, singled out by his contemporaries for his range of musical achievements and praised for his 'learning'. His compositions were more widely transmitted in both British and continental manuscripts than those of any colleagues of his generation and his restless travels throughout Europe (working in the service of Moritz, Landgrave of Hesse and King Christian IV of Denmark, and also visiting Italy) brought foreign musicians into direct contact with his playing and repertoire as well as broadening his experience of continental styles and dance music..
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