John Ward's Mourning Song was one of a number of laments composed for the funeral in 1612 of the young Prince of Wales, son of King James I. It was performed by the men and children of the King's chapel accompanied by various instruments and was published in 1613. The title page suggests that the piece is "...apt both for Viols and Voyces..."
The lament transcribes well for double bass sextet and the slow chordal writing suits the generally low tessitura of the ensemble. A wealth of colours and timbres can be created by the subtle use of vibrato and non-vibrato and entries should be carefully shaped to draw attention from player to player. Dynamics and articulations are at the discretion of the bassists.
