Leçons de ténèbres

About

This is a concert presentation of Roman Catholic Holy Week lamentation repertoire. The programme explores the liturgical symbolism of darkness associated with Christ's betrayal, trial and death, and presents Leçons de Ténèbres by Charpentier and Couperin, works created for performance during Holy Wednesday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday. Les Talens Lyriques is the named ensemble. The performers are sopranos Michèle Bréant and Marie Lys, violist da gamba Atsushi Sakaï, and Christophe Rousset, who directs and plays harpsichord and organ. Four Charpentier items are performed before the interval, followed by Couperin's Leçons de Ténèbres pour le Mercredi Saint. The presentation is an ensemble-led vocal and instrumental concert rather than a staged theatrical production.