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Lachrimæ or seaven teares figured in seaven passionate pavans, with divers other pavans, galliards and allemands, set forth for the lute, viols, or violons, in five parts is a collection of instrumental music composed by John Dowland. It was published by John Windet in London in 1604 when Dowland was employed as lutenist to Christian IV of Denmark. The publication was dedicated to Anne of Denmark.
Contents
The title page of Lachrimæ is adorned with a Latin epigram: 'Aut Furit, aut Lachrimat, quem non Fortuna beavit' ('He whom Fortune has not blessed either rages or weeps'). Dowland points out in his dedication that there are different types of tears. “The teares which Musicke weeps” can be pleasant: “neither are teares shed always in sorrow but sometime in joy and gladnesse”.
Instrumentation
As the title suggests, the music is scored for five viols, or violins (that is, members of the violin family) and lute.
Lachrimae Pavans
The seven pavans are variations on a theme, the Lachrimæ pavan, which Dowland had already made well known as a lute solo and a song. It begins with a "falling tear" motif of four notes.
The harmonies are intense with the lines weaving close together. Each of the Lachrimæ pavans was given its own title by the composer. There has been speculation that they form some sort of narrative, though the meaning of such a musical journey is uncertain.
Other compositions
The "divers other" compositions included in the Lachrimae publication include some lively pieces, galliards, which contrast with the sombre music of the pavans. They are dedicated to people of varying social rank, including the pirate Digorie Piper.
The pieces are: