Sir, Rick Jones’s article on John Dowland (c.1563-1626) (June 16) describes the Elizabethan composer as “a pop star” with “smash-hit popularity”, who wrote “a massive hit” and suffered from “modern neuroses of low self-esteem” until, “like many a pop star”, “wealth and success led to burnout”. Once again the high culture of the past is misrepresented through the distorting spectacles of the present.
John Dowland, whatever his vices may have been, was never “a pop star”. Such concepts, despite his popularity, did not, thank God, exist in the 16th century. Dowland was a court musician, performing for sophisticated groups of aristocracy, courtiers and fellow musicians. That his work was extensively published reflects his status.
Comparisons with 20th-century rock idols achieve little. Dowland’s complex art has already been admirably interpreted through artists such as Julian Bream, Paul O’Dette, Nigel North, Anthony Rooley, Emma Kirkby, etc, who, without excessive publicity, have performed and recorded Dowland’s music over many years with integrity and dedication.
GRAHAM WADE
Professor of Classical Guitar & Lute, City of Leeds College of Music, 1975-96
Withernsea, E. Yorks