Les Leçons de Ténèbres
- 19:00
- Oslo | Oslo International Church Music Festival | Oslo Cathedral
- Norway
Composed in 1714 for the liturgies of Holy Week, these works draw upon the text of the Lamentations of Jeremiah from the Old Testament.
Presented in partnership with the prestigious École Normale de Musique de Paris / Salle Cortot.
Proudly supported by the Talens Lyriques Patrons’ Circle.
François Couperin (1668 – 1733)
Pièces de violes (1728) Première Suite en mi mineur
Leçons de Ténèbres du Mercredi Saint (1714)
CAST
Michèle Bréant, soprano I
Suzanne Jérosme, soprano II
Atsushi Sakaï, viola da gamba
Christophe Rousset, musical direction, harpsichord & organ
« The Leçons de Ténèbres are an absolute marvel, a pinnacle of Baroque music. They embody that fascinating balance between sacred and profane love, so prevalent in the 17th and 18th centuries, both in music and painting – think Titian. Faith was a given, even for libertines. Couperin’s devotion radiates through his music, with an intensity that is truly overwhelming.
Anyone who hasn’t experienced these Leçons is missing out on a rare emotion. It’s a revelation with every listen. Even after performing them so many times, I still find joy in returning to them: with new voices, the music takes on a new colour, a new meaning. The laments of Jeremiah are profoundly personal, and here, it’s the sopranos who carry them. Michèle and Suzanne’s voices are light, transparent, and lift us up.
Couperin transcends everything ; it’s on the same level as Bach’s Mass in B Minor or Monteverdi’s Vespers. A pure masterpiece. »
– Christophe Rousset