Leçons de Ténèbres

Leçons de Ténèbres are an absolute marvel, a pinnacle of Baroque music. Charpentier, one of the great masters of sacred music in the 17th century, offers here a work of deep introspection – almost archaic in certain respects – yet of remarkable richness, particularly in its harmonic language. As for Couperin, his devotion shines through his music, with a deeply moving intensity and a shimmering expressiveness that borders on seduction.

To be unfamiliar with these Leçons is to miss out on a rare emotional experience. Each hearing is a revelation. And even after performing them so often, I am always delighted to return to them: with new voices, the music takes on a different colour, a different meaning. The Lamentations of Jeremiah are profoundly subjective, and here it is the sopranos who give them voice. Michèle and Marie’s voices are light, transparent, and uplifting. A pure masterpiece.

Christophe Rousset