Pavane Lachrymae (Flow my tears)

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.

Performance Goal: Convey the profound melancholy of Dowland's Lachrimae through sustained, expressive playing. Use van Eyck's variations to deepen the affect rather than merely display technique. Master the G# fingering for expressive leading tone resolutions. This piece demonstrates advanced interpretive maturity in Renaissance style.