What a treat to have such an auspicious event come to the fine Medieval City of Norwich. This four-day festival was a true celebration that Dowland himself would have been proud of. Enormous credit to Danny Murphy (Artistic Director) and his team for their outstanding job in pulling in so many great professionals, up and coming new players as well as amateur ensembles from across the lute world.
A feast for early music lovers, each day was brim full of recitals, workshops, masterclasses and lectures across two adjacent venues complete with spaces for luthiers, soundproof practice booths a small café and beer tent. The Octagon Chapel and the multiple spaces in Martineau Hall were all well used with the chapel particularly well suited to the intimate sound of the lute.
Dowland’s music is often portrayed as melancholic, so it was interesting to hear this being refuted. Firstly, in a talk by Matthew Spring on ‘Dowland’s court pieces for voice and instruments’ and secondly, in a spellbinding concert by Nigel North (Mirth and Melancholy’) who matched works of contrasting mood in six groups of pieces.
It was a privilege and a revelation to cross over to the more intimate soundscape of the lute.
Truly inspirational!
The Dowland 400 Festival was organised and funded by The UK Lute Society with sponsorship from North Norfolk Festival of Preforming Arts and Angel Early Music.