Come Again by Dowland for Classical Ukulele
In this video Jeff Peterson plays his low-G arrangement of the Renaissance Come Again by Dowland for classical ukulele. Come Again is a bittersweet love song by John Dowland from his First Booke of Songes or Ayres (1597), traditionally sung with lute accompaniment but arranged here for solo ʻukulele.
Performance Notes
The lilting melody can be played at around 105 bpm. The vocal line is interwoven with lute phrases and cadences, often featuring 16th note runs. The final phrase of the verse, starting at measure 8, is repeated with variations at measure 14. The 32nd note phrase ending the verse on beat 4 of measure 18 can be simplified to 16th notes (F#-G-E-F#). If you choose to play the 32nd notes, use a rallentando to ensure a smooth execution.
Graded Repertoire for Classical Ukulele: Volume 2
Come Again by Dowland comes from our book Graded Repertoire for Classical Ukulele: Volume 2. The book has around 50 pieces of classical masterpieces carefully arranged for low-G ukulele in a progressive order. Starting with simple famous melodies like Bach’s Minuet in C, you progress step-by-step all the way through to classical favorites such as Fauré’s Pavane and Leyenda by Issac Albéniz.
Pick up your copy of Graded Repertoire for Classical Ukulele: Volume 2 here.
Hi Jeff, I keep trying… only have time for lessons occasionally. But practice every day , sometimes for hours, and belong to a tiny uke group (6) who meet weekly. I have lots of old folk songs I love that are mostly easy chords, but am learning new ones weekly. I’m mostly self taught, with an older sister in Maine as my uke guru. (I’m in VT)
And you! Who I appreciate your talent so much, but find it very difficult to move on to the next lessons. It takes me weeks to satisfactorily get through one lesson. I feel like I’ll be a beginner forever!
I had no music background, so started from scratch… zero, nada… and have found your lessons, extremely challenging… I just want to graduate from 1st grade! But I have made it to unit 3, and I am very determined, and just love it… so stay with me, and know I am trying my best, and doing pretty great!
I’ll make it to 2nd grade if it’s the last thing I do!
( not sure how you can help…I’m getting it, slowly but surely. ) age? Slow fingers,? slow brain ?
Ha? I’m 71. But super fit…been playing 1 1/2 years. ..
I got this…!! Thanks for the inspiration!
Thank you Jeff. Mahalo, ( what’s that mean anyway? ) ha!
In Vermont… We say…warmest Best Wishes for peace and happiness …. Aloha! JK