Following the French tradition of “Le Concert Spirituel”, The Southwell Consort presents two Lentern recitals of sacred music in London, directed by Jeremy Summerly, the great early music specialist, conductor and lecturer.
During this Holy Year our focus is on Renaissance Rome, and in particular Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina. It is 500 years since his birth and his musical contribution to the life of the Church has remained unparalleled. For both of these recitals we will transport you to the Sistine chapel in Rome during Palestrina’s lifetime. We will present the music of the sacred triduum at the Sistine Chapel in chronological order, accompanied by spiritual readings and meditations following the events leading to the crucifixion and burial of Christ.
Some of the music presented will be heard for the very first time since that era, including the Miserere as originally composed by Gregorio Allegri, exactly as it would been heard in the Sistine Chapel. Other highlights include Palestrina’s Stabat Mater for two choirs, as well as his Lamentations and a little known but extraordinary motet: Dominus Jesus In Qua Nocte Tradebatur. Spaniards Morales and Victoria also feature of course, as they were both directors of the Sistine Chapel and would have known Palestrina.
As a foretaste, here is a video of the group singing Media Vita by Sheppard at Fontgombault Abbey; the monks provide us with coaching on Gregorian chant in exchange for a “Concert Spirituel”: https://youtu.be/
Tickets can be bought here: https://www.
