Leçons de ténèbres is the name given to the predominantly French tradition of setting the biblical Lamentations to music. Ténèbres means “darkness” and refers both to the literal darkness of the church—where, traditionally, one candle was extinguished after each lesson—and to a symbolic atmosphere of grief, contemplation, and reflection.
The music is based on texts from the Lamentations of Jeremiah and conveys profound emotions of loss, stillness, and hope. It is deeply intimate and expressive, placing the voice at the centre to reveal the emotional depth and subtle beauty of the text.
Intended for performance during Holy Week, the Leçons de ténèbres exist in numerous settings. The most celebrated is François Couperin’s version, composed in 1714 for two voices, viola da gamba, and organ. For many, it is one of the great masterpieces of the Baroque repertoire, whose stripped-back, meditative character speaks directly to the heart.
“There is simply nowhere to hide. Everything can be heard. The result is as exposed and personal as it can possibly be. Every solo contribution is clear and heartfelt, and the blend of the ten singers is perfect.”
So wrote Carl Magnus Juliusson in Göteborgs-Posten in 2019, following Göteborg Baroque’s performance of Buxtehude’s Membra Jesu Nostri as part of the ensemble’s 15th anniversary celebrations.
Göteborg Baroque was founded in 2003 by its Artistic Director, Magnus Kjellson, who continues the long-standing tradition of leading the ensemble from the organ or harpsichord while performing. What gives Göteborg Baroque its distinctive sound is the close musical dialogue between its instrumentalists and singers, united by a shared passion for early music.
