Reviewed by Steven Whitehead

My first impression was just how well the Belgian soprano Sophie Karthäuser sings. She is better known as a Mozartian but here she shines in the gloom of some rather sombre music. Confusingly known as La Lande, de La Lande or Delalande, Michel-Richard de Lalande (1657-1738) was first a chorister in Paris and later a famous organist and harpsichordist. As organist he succeeded Charles Couperin at St Gervais, to hold the position until François Couperin came of age. He then enjoyed a successful career in the service of Louis XIV. Audiences flocked to hear his motets, notably the three 'Leçons de Ténèbres' and the 'Miserere' for solo voice, written for the offices of Holy Week. Scored for small forces that respected the guidelines of sobriety and restraint laid down by the Church during Holy Week, the 'Leçons de Ténèbres' blended the special art of French "beau chant", with the Gregorian heritage of the "tonus lamentationum", a simple reciting tone that was used to sing the "Lamentations of Jeremiah" in plainchant at Matins on the three days preceding Easter. Thus the music is meditational and while tuneful it is not going to set your feet tapping in the way that Bach can. However the musicianship is excellent and if your interests are in the music of the time of Louis XIV this is indispensable. But for the more general listener 'Leçons de Ténèbres' is too specialised to be recommended.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.