Mysticism and music 15: Thomas Tallis's "Lamentations of Jeremiah"

Gratis post

During Holy Week, the Western Church traditionally reads or sings the full five chapters of the book of Lamentations as part of the three services of Tenebrae (“Darkness”), beginning on the night of “Spy Wednesday.” One can read about these sublime services and see a helpful diagram of them and their liturgical features at Wikipedia by clicking here (there is also an explanation of the service in the concluding segment of the video below). The Lamentations of Jeremiah originally gave voice to the sorrow experienced in the destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC. The Church, interpreting them Christologically and typologically, applied them to the Passion and death of Jesus Christ.

The most famous Renaissance-era setting (of the first chapter) of Lamentations is that of the English composer, Thomas Tallis (1505 - 1585). Below is a superb YouTube recording of the work, complete with Latin and English texts. I commend it to you for meditation and reflection.

Here is the introduction to the recording:

Live recording of the Lamentations of Jeremiah by Thomas Tallis, parts I and II, recorded during the service of Tenebrae in Holy Week, April 2019, in the Cathedral Church of All Saints, Halifax, Nova Scotia. Sung by members of the University of King's College Chapel Choir, directed by Paul Halley.

Latin text and English translation are in the video. Also featuring photography by Béatrice Schuler (all photos taken in the Cathedral Church of All Saints).

Singers: Hilary Allister, Mary-Louise Belyea, Simon Blake, Shaylan Burkhart, Molly Cowles, Jen Hall, Elizabeth Halley, Nick Halley, Paul Halley, Vanessa Halley, Kip Johnson, Janelle Lucyk, Sarah Myatt, Paul Rogers, Dominique Saulnier, Karis Tees, James Whitley.

Audio recording by Sarah Myatt. Re-mastered by John D.S. Adams / Stonehouse Sound.