This piece was inspired by the lute ayre of John Dowland (1563-1626) “Flow my tears,”
and in particular by the opening vocal phrase, consisting of two descending tetrachords.
The tetrachords are not quoted exactly; they are free of modal/tonal implications and act
rather as a distant “echo” of Dowland’s song. The tetrachords are harmonically altered to
create and dismantle symmetric and asymmetric harmonic complexes, reflected by the
resonance of the low black-key cluster, silently depressed throughout the piece. The right
and middle pedals reinforce the allusive echoing of the tetrachords, which serve not only
as a reference, but also as constructive material for the entire piece.

This piece was inspired by the lute ayre of John Dowland (1563-1626) “Flow my tears,”
and in particular by the opening vocal phrase, consisting of two descending tetrachords.
The tetrachords