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John Dowland's Tears
By Anthony St. Pierre November 2017
 
A T B GB CB
 
 
‘Flow My Tears’ of 1604 (Lacrimæ), both as a lute song and instrumental consort piece, is one of John Dowland’s best known works. This five-voice setting, based on St. Pierre’s voice & piano rendition, provides a somewhat anachronistic accompaniment, as well as ornamented reprises. Low recorders enhance the melancholy affect.

The Prince Consort performs on the accompanying recording. Duration: 3:25
-- Anthony St. Pierre
 
The composer has created a play-along file, in which the alto part is missing (you play alto).
John Dowland's Tears (missing alto part)
 
Beautiful and melancholy, this new twist on the Dowland classic “Flowe my teares” retains the shape and organization of the original and is instantly recognizable in the top voice. It would pair beautifully with the original, as part of a “lacrymae” set. The low recorders make the sound very palatable, and the very moderate difficulty level of this new setting makes it a satisfying choice for a chapter meeting or recreational play. Some high E’s in the Contrabass add surprising interest, and a low C# on the final note of the Tenor might require some practice to get a secure, reliable tone.
-- Glen Shannon
 
 
No. of Recorder Parts:
5
Difficulty:
Moderate
Occasion:
Any
Libraries:
New Music for Recorder, Play-alongs
Date Added:
09/04/2020
Style:
Social/Casual, Concert, Laid-back/Slow, Tonal/Melodic, Variations/Fantasies/Adaptations, Neo-Renaissance/Baroque/Classical, Recorded Accompaniment