Dowland - Go, Crystal Tears (Transcribed for 4 Cellos)
John Dowland (1563-1626) was one of the leading composers and lutenists of the English Renaissance, and Go, Crystal Tears comes from his influential First Booke of Songes or Ayres, published in 1597. Dowland’s songs are known for their expressive melancholy, elegant counterpoint, and vocal lyricism, qualities that translate beautifully to cello ensemble.
This arrangement brings one of Dowland’s Renaissance lute songs into the warm, vocal sound world of the cello ensemble. The parts are graded progressively, with Cello 1 carrying the most challenging material and Cello 4 offering the easiest part. Parts may also be doubled, making the arrangement suitable for either a cello quartet or a larger cello choir.
Listen to audio here: https://youtu.be/ed1yA2JXLzw
ASTA level: 2–3