- Master melancholic Pavane style
- Develop sustained expressive playing
- Execute English Renaissance ornamentation
- Perfect pathetic character in A minor
About This Piece
Composer: Jacob van Eyck (based on John Dowland) (c. 1590-1657)
Difficulty: Late Intermediate
Notes Used: A, B, C, D, E, F, G, G#, A (high), B (high), C (high)
Key: A minor
Form: Theme and Variations on Dowland's Lachrimae
Theme - Dowland's Lachrimae
John Dowland's famous "Flow my tears" melody.
Variation 1 - Gentle Diminutions
Adding expressive divisions while maintaining melancholic character.
Variation 2 - Elaborate Lament
Complex chromatic diminutions enhancing the sorrowful affect.
Performance Practice Notes
- Pavane tempo: ♩ = 55, slow and stately; processional character
- Lachrymae affect: Tears, melancholy; use darker tone color
- G# fingering: Essential for expressive leading tones
- Ornamentation: Add expressive appoggiaturas and sighing figures
Historical Context
John Dowland's "Lachrimae" (Flow my tears) was the most famous melody of the late Renaissance, spawning countless arrangements and variations. Van Eyck's treatment honors Dowland's melancholic affect while demonstrating Dutch diminution practice. The Pavane was a slow, stately dance associated with noble courts and ceremonial occasions. Dowland's version, however, was more of a lament - "Lachrimae" means "tears." Van Eyck's variations maintain this sorrowful character while showcasing the recorder's expressive capabilities. This piece represents the high point of Renaissance melancholic expression.