Photo: Unknown / CC BY-SA 4.0 (source: Wikimedia Commons)
John Dowland was a composer, lutenist and songwriter. John Dowland was born on January 2, 1563 in London, Roman Empire. Death is recorded on 1626-02-00, at the age of 63.
My Take
John Dowland moves me more than almost any composer of his era. Writing in late-1500s England, he turned melancholy into high art with songs like Flow my tears and In darkness let me dwell, music so achingly beautiful it still lands centuries later. What I admire is his refusal to flinch from sorrow; instead he gave it shape, dignity, and unbearable sweetness on a single lute. In a culture that prizes relentless cheer, his darkness feels like honesty. To me he proves that the most lasting art is often the saddest, and his is sadness perfected.
1. Profile
- Name (English)
- John Dowland
- Name (Japanese)
- ジョン・ダウランド
- Reading
- じょん・だうらんど
- Born
- January 2, 1563 – 1626-02-00
- Zodiac / Chinese zodiac
- Capricorn / Boar
- Origin
- London, Roman Empire
- Occupation
- composer / lutenist / songwriter / singer
2. Links
3. About this entry
Tags
- Last updated
- 2026-06-21
Facts are limited to publicly available information up to 2024; non-public or unconfirmed items are omitted. English text is machine-assisted (facts translated by Sonnet, "My Take" written by Opus 4.8). The Japanese page is the source of record.
Frequently asked questions
When was John Dowland born?
Born January 2, 1563.
When did John Dowland die?
Died 1626-02-00, aged 63.
Where was John Dowland from?
John Dowland was from London, Roman Empire.
What did John Dowland do?
John Dowland worked as composer, lutenist, songwriter, singer.