---
title: "He was the rarest musician that his age did behold; having travelled … — John Dowland Quote #6 | QuotesBy.net"
description: "He was the rarest musician that his age did behold; having travelled beyond the seas, and compounded English with foreign skill in that faculty. — a quote by John Dowland."
image: "https://quotesby.net/wp-content/themes/quotesby-editorial/assets/og-default.png"
---

> # He was the rarest musician that his age did behold; having travelled beyond the seas, and compounded English with foreign skill in that faculty.

[John Dowland](https://quotesby.net/John-Dowland)\#6

[Music](https://quotesby.net/John-Dowland/music/)[Culture](https://quotesby.net/topics/culture/)[Travel](https://quotesby.net/topics/travel/)

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## About this quote

What does it mean?Dowland is described as a unique musician who blended English and foreign influences after traveling abroad.In plain termsHe mixed English and foreign styles.What can you take from it?Travel can enrich artistic expression.

### Where it applies

- studying music history
- learning composition

### Putting it to work

- incorporate diverse styles
- study foreign instruments

### Questions to consider

- How does travel shape creativity?
- What balance should be kept with local style?

### Another view

Exotic influences may dilute native traditions.

## More from John Dowland

1. > Semper Dowland semper dolens.

[Permalink to quote \#5](https://quotesby.net/John-Dowland/5/ "Permalink to quote 5")
2. > My favourite musician happens to be the same as Shakespeare's: John Dowland. His songs are sorrowful but heal the soul by their sweetness and courage.

[Permalink to quote \#7](https://quotesby.net/John-Dowland/7/ "Permalink to quote 7")
3. > Hark you shadows that in darkness dwell, Learn to contemn light, Happy, happy they that in hell Feel not the world's despite.

[Permalink to quote \#4](https://quotesby.net/John-Dowland/4/ "Permalink to quote 4")

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