'Flow My Tears': The Music of John Dowland



Overview

Discover the life and music of John Dowland (1563-1626), arguably the greatest composer and lutenist of the Renaissance era.

Explore the themes of love, melancholy and introspection that are woven into Dowland's beautiful songs and lute compositions, and learn about the cultural and historical context in which his music was created. 

Dowland travelled widely throughout Europe, eventually serving as a musician at the court of King Christian IV of Denmark and later as a lutenist for King James I of England. His music was widely published and circulated throughout Europe during his lifetime. He published several collections of songs and instrumental music, including 'Lachrimae or Seven Teares', which became one of the most famous and influential works of the time.

Dowland's music was characterised by its complex harmonies, subtle melodies and emotive lyrics, often exploring themes of love, loss and sadness. His legacy as a composer and musician continues to inspire and influence classical music to this day.

This day school offers an immersive experience of Dowland’s life and music, with live illustration throughout the day from the tutor Elizabeth Pallett (lute) and the soprano Hannah Grove who, together, make up the voice and lute duo, Amarylli.

Please note: this event will close to enrolments at 23:59 BST on 15 May 2024.

Programme details

9.45am:
Registration at Ewert House reception

10am:
'The rarest musician that his age did behold.' 
-Thomas Fuller 1662
A journey into the life of John Dowland, his travels and his legacy.

11.15am:
Tea/coffee break

11.45am:
'Whose heavenly touch upon the lute.' 
-Richard Barnfield 1598
Dowland's music for solo lute and manuscripts that contain his compositions.

1pm:
Lunch break

2pm:
'Her voice revives the leaden strings.' 
-Thomas Campion 1601
'Flow, My Tears' and other songs that contribute to our English lute song heritage.

3.15pm:
Tea/coffee break

3.45pm:
Jo Dowland: his solace
A concert of songs, solos and poetry readings of Dowland's most famous works by the voice and lute duo, Amarylli.

5pm:
End of day

Fees

Description Costs
Tuition fee (includes tea/coffee) £99.00
Baguette Lunch £6.50

Funding

If you are in receipt of a UK state benefit or are a full-time student in the UK you may be eligible for a reduction of 50% of tuition fees.

Concessionary fees for short courses

Tutors

Ms Liz Pallett

Speaker

Elizabeth Pallett is a Visiting Tutor at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. She has worked with many well-known early music ensembles including the New London Consort, the English Cornett and Sackbut Ensemble, Florilegium, Gabrieli Consort and Players, Ex Cathedra and many more, touring extensively abroad in Europe, Israel, Singapore, China, Mexico and Japan.

Ms Hannah Grove

Demonstrator

Hannah Grove started singing professionally whilst studying for her Physics degree at Oxford and since then has performed regularly across the UK and abroad, both as a consort singer and now principally as a soloist in both chamber and oratorio settings.

Application

Please use the 'Book' button on this page. Alternatively, please contact us to obtain an application form.

Accommodation

Accommodation is not included in the price, but if you wish to stay with us the night before the course, then please contact our Residential Centre.

Accommodation in Rewley House - all bedrooms are modern, comfortably furnished and each room has tea and coffee making facilities, Freeview television, and Free WiFi and private bath or shower rooms.  Please contact our Residential Centre on +44 (0) 1865 270362 or email res-ctr@conted.ox.ac.uk for details of availability and discounted prices.

Terms & conditions for applicants and students

Information on financial support