The first thing to say about this disc is that it is largely of plainchant
for the most solemn of times in the church's year. In this case it spans not
only Lent but also Holy week. To be even more precise it focuses on Maundy
Thursday in which the Last Supper is commemorated and also Jesus' betrayal
and arrest. There is nothing carefree here but the whole sequence, which can
easily be appreciated in one straight playing, is a spiritual and, yes,
religious experience.
Tenebrae is not unused to discs like this, perhaps you have come across
their
Russian Treasures disc (Signum SIGCD900
review review) or the dark and wondrous
Tenebrae
Responsorial of Victoria (Signum SIGCD344
review) and their Gesualdo disc (DG Archiv 479 0841
review) but this newcomer really hits the mark. It left me
wanting to witness one of their concerts in some darkened and impressive
abbey.
The interesting point is that the Tallis
Lamentations and the
short
In Manus Tuas setting by John Sheppard emerge like a draught
of warm water out of the cold and mystery of the plainchant to which they
are deeply wedded. Although I have about five other recordings of the Tallis
this one moved me as much as any I know; in fact, in some ways more so. The
quite slow pacing, the balance, the tempi, the understanding of significant
climactic moments, the clarity audible in the more complex areas of
counterpoint - all these are achieved almost ideally. For that performance
alone the disc is well worth the purchase price.
After the
Pange lingua hymn we attend
Compline, which
consists of a sequence of Antiphons (prayers), readings and versicles and
most importantly, psalms using the Sarum Rite. This is for Passiontide and
concerns how God saves those who are oppressed and who seek forgiveness of
sins in preparation for the day of personal judgement. For many, attending a
late evening Compline service or indeed singing one, as I often have, it is
a highlight of the Lenten period. You can, though, sit quietly at home and
soak it in, perhaps lighting a candle or two. The
Lamentations are
divided by the
In Monte Oliveti plainchant and followed by the
words which have come to be associated with Christ's passion in the Garden
of Gethsemane "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death". We
end with the Maundy Thursday Litany -
Kyrie eleison and 'Christ
become obedient unto death".
This is plainchant performed by 'singers' not by monks. If you prefer the
style and sound of, say the monks of Solesmes, then these voices will sound
very 'anglicised'. Everything is done 'proper'. The recording, made in an
oft-used London church, clearly not the one used for the cover photo, by the
way, is rich and atmospheric but also distinct and clear.
Tenebrae, whose twenty other recordings are listed within, consist of six
male voices - there are seven faces on the booklet cover - for this
recording. This includes their Artistic Director Nigel Short and four other
names are offered as having contributed.
I have been fortunate enough to take in this recording over the Lenten
period but by the time you read this it will probably be Whitsun. Even so,
don't just regard this as a disc for a certain (penitential) season; this is
beautiful and captivating music, superbly sung and it can be uplifting at
any time of the year.
All texts are provided and excellently translated, with biographical notes
and photos. Add to this an extended and helpful essay by Nigel Short plus
notes on all of the music and its background.
Gary Higginson
Track-Listing
Pange Lingua gloriosa [3:12]
Compline for Passiontide [21:14]
Thomas TALLIS (c.1505-1585)
Lamentations of Jeremiah Part 1 [8:27]
Respond:
In monte oliveti [2:19]
Tallis Lamentations Part II [13:35]
Respond:
Tristis est anima mea [2:54]
John SHEPPARD (c.1515-1558) Respond for
Compline in Passiontide:
In manus tuas I [3:43]
Litany after Lauds for Maundy Thursday [3:45]
