Composer

:

Michel-Richard Delalande

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

ca. 1712

Average_duration

:

17:34

Michel-Richard Delalande's IIIe Leçon du Mercredi Saint, S. 118 is a sacred choral work that was composed in the late 17th century. The piece was first performed on the Wednesday of Holy Week, which is the day before Maundy Thursday, in the chapel of the royal palace of Versailles in France. The exact date of the premiere is not known, but it is believed to have been in the early 1690s. The IIIe Leçon du Mercredi Saint is a part of a larger work called the Tenebrae Responsories, which is a set of nine lessons that are traditionally sung during the Tenebrae service on the three days leading up to Easter Sunday. Each lesson is based on a different text from the Book of Lamentations, which describes the destruction of Jerusalem and the suffering of the Jewish people. The IIIe Leçon du Mercredi Saint is divided into three movements, each of which is based on a different section of the text from Lamentations. The first movement is a solo recitative that is sung by a tenor or baritone voice. The text describes the sorrow and despair of the Jewish people as they witness the destruction of their city and the suffering of their children. The second movement is a choral setting of the text "Jerusalem, Jerusalem, return to the Lord your God." This section is sung by the full choir and is characterized by its rich harmonies and expressive melodies. The music is somber and mournful, reflecting the sadness and grief of the text. The final movement is a solo aria that is sung by a soprano or alto voice. The text describes the hope and faith of the Jewish people, who believe that God will eventually restore their city and their fortunes. The music is more upbeat and optimistic than the previous movements, with a lively melody and a sense of forward momentum. Overall, the IIIe Leçon du Mercredi Saint is a powerful and moving work that captures the emotional intensity of the Tenebrae service. Delalande's music is characterized by its expressive melodies, rich harmonies, and dramatic contrasts, which help to bring the text to life and convey the deep emotions of the Jewish people.

More....