Lachrimae was published with a unique layout where all parts were arranged in a single folio, allowing six performers to read their parts simultaneously from a small table.
Composition History
John Dowland, the composer, began work on Lachrimae while in the service of King Christian IV of Denmark, intending to present it to Queen Elizabeth I of England.
Composition History
Dowland dedicated Lachrimae to Anne of Denmark, the sister of his employer King Christian IV, after Queen Elizabeth I died unexpectedly.
Compositional Technique
The collection opens with seven pavans arranged as an abstract cycle of variations, which was an entirely new approach for its time.
Composer's Artistic Vision
The Lachrimae collection is structured around the number seven, with three groups of seven pieces and each of the seven pavans containing three sections, symbolizing biblical perfection and the sum of material and spiritual worlds.
Compositional Technique
Dowland deliberately avoided coupling the serious pavan with the lighter galliard, instead weaving thematic and harmonic allusions through all seven pavans.
Critical Reception
Although Lachrimae did not bring Dowland the professional success he hoped for at the time, it is now considered a supreme achievement of English consort music.
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