Ténèbres

Immerse yourself in the hauntingly beautiful and spiritually evocative sounds of "Ténèbres," a profound collection of traditional music that spans a variety of genres, including Gregorian chant, medieval, Sufi, bhajan, and qawwali. Released on September 18, 2007, by Plaza Mayor Company, Ltd., this album is a testament to the enduring power of sacred and traditional music.

"Ténèbres" is a meticulously crafted work that draws from the rich tradition of the Tenebrae Responsories, a significant piece in the choral repertoire. The album's title, "Ténèbres," refers to the Catholic practice of gradually extinguishing candles during the Tenebrae service, symbolizing the darkness that enveloped the world during the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. This theme of darkness and light is woven throughout the album, creating a deeply moving and introspective listening experience.

Comprising 42 tracks, "Ténèbres" is a comprehensive exploration of the Tenebrae service, divided into three nocturnes, laudes, and the ritual of the washing of the feet. Each section is filled with antiphons, psalms, and responsories that are performed with a sense of reverence and solemnity. The album's duration of 1 hour and 36 minutes allows for a full immersion into the sacred texts and melodies that have been passed down through generations.

The ensemble behind this remarkable album is Traditional, a collective of musicians and singers dedicated to preserving and performing traditional and sacred music. Their renditions are marked by a deep understanding of the historical and spiritual context of the pieces, resulting in performances that are both technically precise and emotionally resonant.

"Ténèbres" was nominated for a Royal Philharmonic Society Award in 2007, a testament to its artistic merit and the ensemble's exceptional skill. The album has been praised by critics, with Gramophone magazine highlighting it as one of the finest recordings that few people know about, a true gem in the world of classical and traditional music.

Whether you are a devotee of sacred music, a lover of traditional genres, or simply someone seeking a deeply moving and spiritually uplifting experience, "Ténèbres" by Traditional is an album that will captivate and inspire. Let the haunting melodies and profound texts transport you to a place of reflection and contemplation, where the boundaries between the sacred and the secular blur, and the power of music is fully realized.