Music for Comus - Pavan in d minor by William Lawes

A Pavan by William Lawes (1602-1645) is played by The Musicians In Ordinary string band led by Christopher Verrette, 1st vln. with Patricia Ahern, 2nd vln. Felix Deak and Laura Jones, violas da gamba and John Edwards, theorbo. 

This pavan quotes John Dowland's 'Lachrimae' theme, which had become a musical emblem for melancholy, at the beginning and alludes to Dowland's earlier pavan throughout. Check back to our 'Board Lutebook' episodes to hear a performance of Dowland's lute model. 

Lawes' piece exists in a version in c minor for viols and organ.