John Dowland
/ˌdʒɒn ˈdaʊlənd/
/ˌdʒɑːn ˈdaʊlənd/
- (c. 1562-1626) an English composer of songs and music, mainly for the lute, an ancient instrument like a guitar. He worked at various royal courts in Europe before entering the service of King James I. His best-known work is Lachrimae (1604).