Composer

:

Marc-Antoine Charpentier

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Average_duration

:

15:04

Marc-Antoine Charpentier's 'Troisième leçon de ténèbres du vendredi saint, H. 137' is a sacred vocal work composed in the 17th century. The piece was composed in 1680 and premiered in Paris, France. It is a part of a larger collection of works known as the 'Leçons de ténèbres', which were composed for the Holy Week services. The 'Troisième leçon de ténèbres du vendredi saint, H. 137' is divided into three movements, each of which is based on a text from the Lamentations of Jeremiah. The first movement is a setting of the text "Aleph. Quomodo sedet sola civitas" (How lonely sits the city), the second movement is based on the text "Beth. Plorans ploravit in nocte" (She weeps bitterly in the night), and the third movement is based on the text "Ghimel. Judica Domine" (O Lord, judge). The piece is characterized by its use of dissonance and chromaticism, which create a sense of tension and sorrow. The vocal lines are often ornamented with trills and melismas, which add to the emotional intensity of the work. The use of a solo voice in each movement, accompanied by a basso continuo, creates a sense of intimacy and introspection. Overall, Charpentier's 'Troisième leçon de ténèbres du vendredi saint, H. 137' is a powerful and moving work that captures the solemnity and sorrow of the Holy Week services. Its use of dissonance and ornamentation creates a sense of emotional intensity that is both haunting and beautiful.

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