Dowland, John (c. 1563–c. 1626)

English composer of lute songs. He become known as the greatest composer and finest performer of these ‘ayres’ and is considered the main pioneer in the development of the art song. For the first time the ‘top’ part became more important than the others and the lute was used to provide a real accompaniment. This was different to the previous style of the madrigal, where all voices are equally important. His work includes Lachrymae (1605).