Welcome from Jennifer Eriksson

Some 450 years after his birth in 1563 the world still cannot get enough of the great English lutenist and composer, John Dowland.  Rock musician Sting released a CD and DVD of Dowland covers several years ago and toured the world performing his timeless songs to enormous public acclaim.  Centuries after his death, Dowland remains without equal as the musical patron saint of unrequited love and mournfulness.  As you will hear today, the sheer quality of the artistic legacy of this man makes him one of the most significant figures in English music.

Presenting this celebration concert is a labour of love for Seaven Teares, whose permanent membership includes Shaun, Cathy, Imogen and myself.  Seaven Teares will be joined today by Australia’s best known lutenist, Tommie Andersson and viol virtuoso, Daniel Yeadon.  As well as performing instrumental works we look forward to accompanying highly regarded soprano Belinda Montgomery.  We have all worked together many times as members of The Marais Project and it is great to gather together again around this wonderful music.

Dowland produced 88 songs for the lute, which were all printed between 1597-1612 including ‘In Darkness Let Me Dwell (1610), From Silent Night (1612), as well as 90 compositions for solo lute.  He was adept at self promotion and his works were widely distributed during his lifetime.  He aligned himself with the prevailing spirit of melancholy popular amongst the educated elites of the era and even nominated his motto as “Semper Dowland, semper dolens” which translates as “Ever Dowland, ever doleful (sorrowful).”  He did however compose many happy lute pieces and songs some of which you will hear today.  Finally, my apologies that bass clarinettist Paul Cutlan is unable to join us today due to touring duties.

We hope you enjoy the afternoon.

Jennifer Eriksson, Member, Seaven Teares; Founder and Director, The Marais Project

Program

Lachrimæ Antiquæ   (Lachrimæ, or Seven Teares, 1605)

Flow my teares, fall from your springs   (The Second Booke of Songs and Ayres, 1600)

Sir John Souch, his Galiard   (Lachrimæ, or Seven Teares)

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Can she excuse my wrongs   (The First Booke of Songes and Ayres)

Semper Dowland semper dolens   (Lachrimæ, or Seven Teares)

M. Giles Hobies Galiard   (Lachrimæ, or Seven Teares)

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Marin Marais (1656-1728) Tombeau pour Marais le Cadet   (Pièces de violes, Book V, 1725) arranged by Jennifer Eriksson

Sorrow sorrow stay, lend true repentant teares   (The Second Booke of Songs and Ayres)

A Fancy ~ The most sacred Queene Elizabeth, her Galliard   (Varietie of Lute-lessons, 1610)

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Cleare or cloudie, sweet as Aprill showring   (The Second Booke of Songs and Ayres)

The King of Denmarks Galiard   (Lachrimæ, or Seven Teares)

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Time stands still   (The Third and Last Booke of Songs or Aires, 1603)

M. George Whitehead, his Almand   (Lachrimæ, or Seven Teares)

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Come heavy sleepe   (The First Booke of Songes and Ayres)

Mistresse Nichols Almand   (Lachrimæ, or Seven Teares)

Come againe: sweet love doth now envite   (The First Booke of Songes and Ayres, 1597)

Details

Date:                      3.00pm Sunday 10th November

Where:                 The Refectory, Level 3, Science Rd, University of Sydney

Cost:                       $30/20; online www.maraisproject.com.au; ph 02 9809 5185