'Lachrimæ, or Seaven Teares' is a collection of instrumental music composed by John Dowland, and first published by John Windet in London in 1604. During that time, Download was in the employment of Christian IV of Denmark, acting as a lutenist. The publication was dedicated to Anne of Denmark. The pieces are scored for five viols or violins and a lute. The main group of pieces consists of seven pavanes, variations on the Lachrimae pavan which Dowland had already made well known as a lute solo and a song. It begins with a "falling tear" motif of four notes. There are also several other compositions in the collection, including some galliards, and other music that contrasts with the sombre style of the pavans. The complete title page reads: 'Lachrimæ, or Seaven Teares figured in seaven passionate pavans, with divers other pavans, galliards and allemands, set forth for the lute, viols, or violons, in five parts is a collection of instrumental music written for five viols, or violins (that is, members of the violin family) and lute composed by John Dowland.'
