Lachrimae

Abstract Lachrimae of 1604 is John Dowland’s only printed collection of instrumental consort music. Not surprisingly, the lute is featured as an important addition to the standard viol consort. The set is foundationally situated on seven variations of the “Lachrimae” pavan that had previously been presented as a lute solo and a lute song–air. The anthology then moves beyond this somber theme to fourteen consort dance pieces whose titles celebrate Dowland associates and supporters. Many interpretations of the meaning found within the Lachrimae collection have been attempted, each with differing merit. In this chapter, the production elements of Lachrimae are considered, followed by an exploration of the pavan variations as a cycle. Special attention is afforded to perceptions of the medical condition of melancholy and the evolution of the Lachrimae tune within Dowland’s music.