Dowland: Lachrimae

Contadin, Cristiano, Opera Prima Ensemble

95699

“Lachrimae, or seven teares figured in seaven passionate pavans, with diversother pavans, galliards and allemands, set forth for the lute, viols or violons, in five parts”, this was the titel that composer John Dowland gave to this collection of instrumental music, which was published in 1604 in London. The work was dedicated to Anne of Denmark, as Dowland was in that period employed as lutenist of Christian IV of Denmark. • On the title page of the Lachrimae Dowland used a Latin epigram: “Aut furit, aut lachrimat, quem non fortuna beavit”(He whom Fortune has not blessed wither rages or weeps). The Lachrymae present one of the deepest, most poignant and moving expressions of sorrow ever composed. • The seven Lachrimae Pavans each bear a title with reference to a different character: sad tears, lover’s tears, old tears, sighing tears, true tears etc. The often melancholy (but how beautiful!) tone of the pavans is contrasted by the inclusion of other dance forms (Galliards a.o.). • The Opera Prima Consort includes lute, viols, viola, violin and recorder. Artistic leader Cristiano Contadin is one of the foremost viola da gamba players of today, he recorded for Sony, EMI, Universal, Hyperion and Brilliant Classics (Telemann, Corrette, De Visée).

CD x 1

Brilliant Classics

30/09/2019

5028421956992