Let’s travel back to the Renaissance, a time of beautiful art, discovery, and elegant music!

One of the most famous composers from this period was John Dowland, an English musician who lived from 1563 to 1626.

Dowland was known throughout Europe for his skill on the lute — a stringed instrument that looks a bit like a guitar but has a rounded back and a delicate, gentle sound. In his time, the lute was the most popular instrument for music in homes and royal courts.

Who Was John Dowland?

John Dowland worked as a musician in the courts of England and Denmark. He wrote songs and dances that were loved by kings and queens — and he became especially famous for his melancholy (sad and beautiful) melodies.

But Dowland could also write lively and joyful pieces!

One of his best-known pieces is a song called "The Frog Galliard".

What Is a Galliard?

A galliard is a type of Renaissance dance.

It has a bouncy rhythm — usually in triple meter (1-2-3, 1-2-3) — and was danced at parties and royal gatherings. People would leap, skip, and twirl to the music!

So why is this one called The Frog Galliard?

Historians think the title might have been a playful reference to a French nobleman nicknamed “The Frog” who once wanted to marry Queen Elizabeth I. The piece could have been Dowland’s little musical joke — lively and full of personality.

In the video below, you’ll get to hear “The Frog Galliard” and learn more about what makes this piece special.

Pay attention to the steady beat, the ornamented melody, and the way it makes you feel.

Can you imagine people in fancy Renaissance clothes dancing to it?

Try This With Your Children

Here are a few simple ways to enjoy this piece together:

• Clap or tap the 1-2-3 rhythm while listening.

• Pretend to dance a galliard — small hops or gentle steps to the beat.

• Draw a picture of what you imagine when you hear the music.

• Look up a picture of a lute and compare it to a modern guitar.
  
  
  

Why Renaissance Music Still Matters

Music like Dowland’s reminds us of the beauty and creativity of the past. Renaissance music also gifted us many of our present day musical concepts we take for granted - like four part harmony.

Ts us to a time when families gathered around live instruments and listened together — not so different from what we can do today with our children.

By listening to Renaissance music, we help our kids appreciate melody, rhythm, and history — all at once. And of course, here at SQUILT Music Appreciation, we want to foster a love of beauty through each piece that comes our way! 




For more Renaissance music - including a month-long listening calendar and engaging video lessons, join us in SQUILT LIVE!, where in October 2025 our theme is Music of the Renaissance.