Britten Thematic Catalogue

Beta Version

BTC1032 LACHRYMAE

Reflections on a song of John Dowland, for viola and piano, op. 48
Composition date: 16 May 1950
Revised: Jun 1970
First performance: 20 Jun 1950 >>
Type of performance: Church performance
Location: Aldeburgh Parish Church, Aldeburgh Festival
Performance details:

William Primrose va, Benjamin Britten pf

Genre: Solo instrumental
Duration: 15'
Dedication: 'For William Primrose'

William Primrose (1903-1982), Scottish violist. He edited the viola part of Lachrymae.

Notes

Incorporates references to two songs by John Dowland (both were probably composed originally as lute solos), the first forming the basis of the variations and the second quoted in the section marked 'Appassionato':

'If my complaints could passions move', published as no. 4 in The first booke of songes or ayres (1597) and as 'Captaine Digorie Piper his galliard' in Lachrimæ (1604);

'Flow my tears' (second strain), published as no. 2 in The second booke of songes or ayres (1600) and as Lachrimæ antiquae' in Lachrimæ'' (1604).

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