Robert Dowland

(1591 - 1641)

English lutenist and composer, son of John Dowland. He published two anthologies of lute music and ayres, A Varietie of Lute Lessonsand A Musicall Banquet,in 1610. He also played in one of Chapman's masques in 1613.

During the 1620s, he traveled in Europe with an acting troupe, and succeeded to his father's post as one of the King's Lutes in 1626.

There are only three works definitely ascribed to him: two lute pieces in the Varietie of Lute Lessonsand one in the Margaret Board Lutebook.



IV M: England Through 1635   |   English Lute Composers before 1635   |   The English Lutenists