LUMIÈRE BLEUE - THE GESUALDO SIX, ENSEMBLE VOCAL

Presentation

In Christian liturgy, Compline (from the Latin completorium, "completed," "finished") is the last prayer of the day, the one at twilight. The liturgical texts of these hours have been set to music numerous times, particularly during the Renaissance, providing composers such as Thomas Tallis, Alonso Lobo, or Carlo Gesualdo with the material for powerfully atmospheric polyphonic pieces, whose textural refinement is matched only by their harmony.

Their works, as well as those by Hildegard von Bingen or Josquin des Prés, juxtaposed with those of contemporary composers such as the Estonian Veljo Tormis – whose works are no less impressive than those of his compatriot and contemporary Arvo Pärt – or the British Joanna Marsh, form the core of the Gesualdo Six's program.

Unanimously celebrated as one of the major vocal ensembles to have emerged in recent years across the Channel, formed by some of the best consort singers in the United Kingdom, the Gesualdo Six excel in this music of chiaroscuro: admirably composed, this program takes us on a meditative and thrilling journey through nine centuries of a cappella choral music.

Duration: 1h10

With:
Guy JAMES, Ali AUSTIN, countertenors
Joseph WICKS, Josh COOTER, tenors
Michael CRADDOCK, ba