C o n c e r t s

Vox in Rama: Lamentations by Phinot and White

7.30pm, Saturday 8 February 2020

St Mary’s, Bourne Street SW1

Directed by David Allinson

Tickets:

Early Bird: £12

On the door: £14

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The Lamentations of Jeremiah inspired some of the most soulful polyphony ever written. Direct, dramatic settings of the verses alternate with lush vocal roulades. We present two of the greatest 16th century Lamentation settings, by Dominique Phinot and Robert White.

White’s astonishing Lamentations a5 are advanced in style for their time and feel like a despairing commentary on the religious turbulence of Elizabethan England. Phinot’s setting is equally pioneering, for the way he manages the double choir texture, starting with block textures but gradually opening up a kaleidoscopic range of subtle scoring combinations. 

These two monumental pieces will be complemented by penitential motets by composers including George Kirby (Vox in Rama), Carlo Gesualdo (O vos omnes) and William Byrd (Ne irascaris) - music that crystallises sorrow and longing but also kindles humanity, hope and consolation.