Composer

:

John Dowland

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Collection

Compose Date

:

1604

Publication Date

:

1604

Average_duration

:

66:12

Movement_count

:

21

Movement ....

John Dowland's "Lachrimae, or Seaven Teares" is a collection of seven pavans for lute and viol consort, composed in 1604. The work was premiered in London, and quickly became one of Dowland's most popular and enduring compositions. The seven movements of "Lachrimae" are each based on a single musical theme, which is introduced in the first pavan and then developed and transformed throughout the work. The titles of the pavans are all variations on the theme of tears and mourning, and each movement explores a different aspect of this emotional landscape. The first pavan, "Lachrimae Antiquae," is a somber and introspective piece that sets the tone for the rest of the work. The second, "Lachrimae Antiquae Novae," is more lively and rhythmic, with a sense of forward motion that contrasts with the mournful theme. The third, "Lachrimae Gementes," is a slow and mournful piece that features a prominent viol solo. The fourth pavan, "Lachrimae Tristes," is one of the most famous movements of the work, and is characterized by its haunting melody and melancholy harmonies. The fifth, "Lachrimae Coactae," is a more complex and intricate piece, with a sense of tension and conflict that reflects the emotional turmoil of the theme. The sixth pavan, "Lachrimae Amantis," is a tender and lyrical piece that features a prominent lute solo. The final movement, "Lachrimae Verae," is a powerful and dramatic piece that brings the work to a close with a sense of resolution and acceptance. Overall, "Lachrimae, or Seaven Teares" is a masterful exploration of the theme of mourning and loss, and showcases Dowland's skill as a composer and his deep understanding of the emotional power of music.

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