Composer

:

Marc-Antoine Charpentier

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Average_duration

:

15:11

Marc-Antoine Charpentier's 'Troisième leçon de ténèbres du mercredi saint, H. 123' is a sacred vocal work composed in the 17th century. It was written for three solo voices and continuo, and is part of a larger collection of works known as the 'Leçons de ténèbres'. The 'Leçons de ténèbres' were typically performed during Holy Week, and were intended to be a reflection on the suffering and death of Christ. The 'Troisième leçon de ténèbres du mercredi saint' is divided into three movements, each corresponding to a different section of the text. The first movement is a setting of the Lamentations of Jeremiah, and is characterized by its mournful, introspective tone. The second movement is a setting of the Psalm 'De lamentatione', and is more upbeat and hopeful in character. The final movement is a setting of the Gospel of Matthew, and is characterized by its dramatic, almost operatic style. The work was composed in 1670, and was likely first performed in Paris. It is considered to be one of Charpentier's most important works, and is notable for its use of chromaticism and dissonance. The work is also notable for its use of word painting, with the music often reflecting the meaning of the text. Overall, Charpentier's 'Troisième leçon de ténèbres du mercredi saint' is a powerful and moving work that reflects the solemnity and introspection of Holy Week. Its use of chromaticism and dissonance, as well as its word painting, make it a masterpiece of Baroque sacred music.

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