Leçons de ténèbres (François Couperin)

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  • (Posted 2023-02-13)  CPDL #72614:   
Editor: Audrey Fernandez-Fraser (submitted 2023-02-13).   Score information: 260 x 320 mm, 55 pages, 9.29 MB   Copyright: CPDL
Edition notes: Scanned score. All three Lessons -- two solo; third mov't duet. Translations added from RSV Bible.
  • (Posted 2011-05-29)  CPDL #23402:   
Editor: Jan Němeček (submitted 2011-04-21).   Score information: A4, 31 pages, 206 kB   Copyright: CPDL
Edition notes: transposed a perfect fourth lower for Solo AA.

General Information

Title: Leçons de tenébres
Composer: François Couperin

Number of voices: 1/2vv   Voicing: Solo high, and Solo SS
Genre: SacredMotet

Language: Latin
Instruments: Basso continuo

First published: 1714
Description: Setting of the Lamentations, used as lessons during the service of Tenebrae on Maundy Thursday: two lessons are set for solo voice, followed by the third for two equal voices. The second lesson has a small obligato for viol. Couperin's Avertissement notes that they may be transposed for any voice types, and recommends adding a bowed string instrument: "quoyque le Chant en soit notté sur la clef de dessus, toutes autres espèces de voix pouront les chanter, d'autant que la plus part des personnes d'aujurd'huy qui accompagnent scavent transposer… Si l'on peut joindre une basse de Viole ou de Violon a l'accompagnement de l'Orgue ou du Clavecin, cela fera bien."

External websites:

Original text and translations

Original text and translations may be found at Lamentations of Jeremiah. 1:1-5; 1:6-9; 1:10-14