Matthew Spring
Lecture: John Dowlands 'Court pieces' for voices and instruments
At least a dozen of Dowland's songs, typically with a verse and chorus format and parts for instruments other than a single lute in G, clearly come from court masques or progress entertainments. One actually refers to being 'in the presence of a queen'; others are documented as having been performed on specific occasions – such as the retirement of Sir Henry Lee, the self-styled Queen's Champion, at an affair of great ceremony in 1590.
In this talk, Matthew Spring, a leading expert on the history of the lute in Britain, who will shortly publish an edition of these songs with realised parts for lute band, will discuss these pieces, their origins, and how they should be realised.
In this talk, Matthew Spring, a leading expert on the history of the lute in Britain, who will shortly publish an edition of these songs with realised parts for lute band, will discuss these pieces, their origins, and how they should be realised.
Dowland 400 Festival
Thu, 23 July 2026
The Octagon Chapel, Norwich
10:30am
£5
Full Event Details
At least a dozen of Dowland's songs, typically with a verse and chorus format and parts for instruments other than a single lute in G, clearly come from court masques or progress entertainments. One actually refers to being 'in the presence of a queen'; others are documented as having been performed on specific occasions – such as the retirement of Sir Henry Lee, the self-styled Queen's Champion, at an affair of great ceremony in 1590.
In this talk, Matthew Spring, a leading expert on the history of the lute in Britain, who will shortly publish an edition of these songs with realised parts for lute band, will discuss these pieces, their origins, and how they should be realised.
Venue Details & Map
Location
The Octagon Chapel, Norwich
21 Colegate, Norwich NR3 1BN
