May meeting - John Dowland

At our May society meeting, lutenist and long time friend of the Society, James Holland (pictured), gave a detailed presentation on the life of John Dowland and playing Renaissance music on lute and on classical guitar.

The presentation started with a performance of Dowland’s Fantasia no. 7 by Ashley Davies. James then worked through a number of things, from Dowland’s life to how the lutes he played developed with additional courses, and how his technique changed to accommodate this. He discussed contemporary printed versions of Dowland pieces and songs, and the pieces in different manuscript sources.

James also talked about lute tablature, introduced the ornamentation of the period, the structure of Dowland’s dance pieces and demonstrated the steps of the pavane.

This was an excellent and well researched talk!