Tenebrae

The Book of Lamentations inspired a great number of composers during the Baroque era, from Couperin to Jan Dismas Zelenka. This programme takes a particular interest in the latter – a composer only recently renowned yet incredibly famous when he was alive – and more specifically in his Leçons de Ténèbres pieces, which are truly unique, half-way between a cantata and a motet. Jan Dismas Zelenka is a composer whose musical style is extremely personal and instantly recognisable. As a bass player and composer for the court of Dresden, he wrote many vocal and instrumental pieces – both sacred and profane – including the Leçons des Ténèbres for soloist voices and an instrumental ensemble. Combining German and Italian styles beautifully, his work stands out through its rare architecture, delightfully mixing Arias and Ariosos.

Les Répons, that go hand in hand with the Leçons de Ténèbres, are remarkable with their Stile Antico counterpoint, illustrating an admirable contrast with the latter.

This production received aid from Brittany’s Regional Division for Cultural Affairs.