Some of the most atmospheric music from the numerous Liturgical settings in Holy Week is that composed for the Office of Tenebrae. Victoria’s are the most well-known, but equally beautiful and arguably more dramatic are the settings composed by Gesualdo and Couperin. The Gesualdo is intense with the Couperin atmospheric, yet both compliment each other perfectly on another world-class recording from Tenebrae.
Described as “phenomenal” (The Times) and “devastatingly beautiful” (Gramophone Magazine), award-winning choir Tenebrae, under the direction of Nigel Short, is one of the world’s leading vocal ensembles renowned for its passion and precision. These are Tenebrae’s core values and with their continued dedication to performance of the highest quality, Tenebrae’s vision is to deliver dramatic programming, flawless performances and unforgettable experiences, allowing audiences around the world to be moved by the power and intimacy of the human voice.
All downloads include booklets.
★★★★ “Gesualdo is sung by six solo voices, wonderfully balanced and tuned to perfection, bringing out the rich idiosyncratic harmonies characteristic of the composer” – Choir and Organ
★★★★ “This is an ideal album for Holy Week reflections, respecting the power of the texts and it is a major sacred music release” – AllMusic.com
“The singing of six members of Tenebrae (Doyle and Davidson the sopranos) is accomplished, snappy and defined with firm control of changing dynamics. Nigel Short shows a strong sense of mannerist storytelling…the way the words sometimes shout into the silence of the church is immensely powerful” – Gramophone
“The sheer beauty and accuracy of Tenebrae’s singing is utterly persuasive. They’re named for this music, and occupying the shadows of Maundy Thursday from these two very different composers is a moving experience” – BBC Radio 3 Record Review
