Canzona prima, Lachrimae antiquae, Chaconne for mandolin orchestra

Description

This very charming “Canzona prima per canto solo” is taken from the collection “Il Primo Libro delle Canzoni” for 1–4 instruments and basso continuo published in 1628. The melody part has been taken over unchanged for the 1st mandolin in the plucked instrument orchestra setting.
“Lachrimae Antiquae” is undoubtedly one of the most performed works of early music. John Dowland composed this instrumental work for solo lute, keyboard instrument and viol consort. It was also included in his “Second Booke of Ayres” as the lute song “Flow, my Tears”. This particular arrangement is based upon the version for viol consort.
Purcell’s chaconne “Two in one upon a Ground” was originally written for two melody parts and basso continuo, with the melody parts (played in this arrangement by the mandolins) interacting in a canon above a six-bar basso ostinato.