Night Concert | Medieval Songs and Lamentations of Tallis

Founded in 2001 by Nigel Short, the Tenebrae Choir is considered one of the finest vocal ensembles in the world. It is acclaimed for its extraordinary precision and deeply moving interpretations. At the center of the program are the monumental Lamentations I & II by Thomas Tallis. These settings of Jeremiah’s laments are among the most moving in the history of music. With their dense, dark harmonies, they capture the deep sadness and despair of Jerusalem’s destruction, music that, in its timeless beauty, shines far beyond its original liturgical context. They are complemented by Tallis’ more hopeful motets, such as the intense “If ye love me,” which is striking for its clear understanding of the text and its simple elegance. The two settings of John Sheppard’s “In manus tuas” (In Your Hands) form the spiritual cornerstones of the evening. These settings for evening prayer symbolize letting go and trusting in the hour of darkness. To conclude, William Blitheman’s “In pace in idipsum” offers a work of perfect tranquility that leaves the listener in the peace of the night.