John Dowland (1563-1626)
Published in John Dowland’s Second Book of Songs or Ayres, the melodies were originally set by Dowland as Lachrimae in an instrumental version. The piece is anchored by its iconic opening ‘tear motif,’ which utilizes a deeply expressive , four-note descending scale that mimics the physical falling of tears.
It is believed that the text was written specifically for the music by Dowland himself. This song is one of the pinnacles of Elizabethan melancholy. This performance features mezzo-soprano Barabara Rearick.
