John Dowland was the finest lutenist of his age and one of the great songwriters in the English language. He died 400 years ago, in 1626.

In 1604 he published Lachrimae, a collection for viols and lute built on his most famous song, Flow my teares. Its falling fourth is turned over and transformed in a journey from despair to hope, from minor to major, followed by a set of lively galliards, many drawn from his songs. His four books of songs were among the most popular publications of their day.

As Dowland wrote in his dedication to Queen Anne of Denmark: "neither are teares shed alwayes in sorrow, but sometime in joy and gladnesse."

Performers

Ian Bostridge, tenor

Kristiina Watt, lute

Fretwork: Emilia Benjamin, Jonathan Rees, Joanna Levine, Sam Stadlen and Richard Boothby

Duration: One hour with a short break.

Tickets: £28-£35