Anglorum Orpheus - Tónlist John Dowland

The so-called “Anglorum Orpheus” (the English Orpheus) was the most famous lutenist of his time. This refers to John Dowland (1563-1626). This concert does not put his lute music in the foreground, but rather his songs for four voices. These songs were printed in a special layout, so that singers and a lutenist could all read from the same book. Dowland’s first book was a resounding success and was printed many times over in England, and many publishers also imitated its layout. Despite his success, Dowland never obtained the position he long wished for at the court of Elizabeth I, and worked instead on the European continent, including in Germany and at the Danish court. There he composed his vocal music and sent it to England to be printed. Dowland’s music is often marked by a melancholy spirit, but the concert will also feature cheerful songs: some for four voices, others for two, and still others for a single voice with lute accompaniment. Performers: Beinta Ingeborg Greve Guðný Guðmundsdóttir Orri Jónsson Ólafur Freyr Birkisson Sergio Coto Blanco This description is an automated translation from Icelandic to English.