Composer

:

John Dowland

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Chamber Music

Compose Date

:

before 1626

Average_duration

:

5:23

John Dowland's "Lachrimae, P 15" is a collection of seven pavans and a galliard, composed for the lute and published in 1604. The work is also known as "Seven Tears" or "Lachrimae Antiquae Novae," and it is considered one of Dowland's most famous and influential works. The premiere of "Lachrimae, P 15" is not known, but it was likely performed in private settings for aristocratic patrons. The work was published by Thomas Adams in London in 1604, and it quickly became popular among lutenists and other musicians. The seven pavans in "Lachrimae, P 15" are all variations on Dowland's famous song "Flow My Tears," which was also published in 1604. The variations explore different moods and emotions, ranging from melancholy and introspective to lively and dance-like. The galliard that concludes the work is a lively and virtuosic dance that provides a contrast to the more contemplative pavans. The characteristics of "Lachrimae, P 15" include Dowland's signature use of chromaticism and dissonance to create a sense of tension and release. The variations on "Flow My Tears" also showcase Dowland's skill at developing a simple melody into complex and expressive musical forms. The work is notable for its use of counterpoint, with multiple voices weaving in and out of each other to create a rich and intricate texture. Overall, "Lachrimae, P 15" is a masterpiece of Renaissance music, showcasing Dowland's skill as a composer and his ability to evoke a wide range of emotions through his music. Its enduring popularity and influence on later composers attest to its lasting significance in the history of Western music.

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