Couperin’s Leçons de ténèbres [Christmas concert]

Just before the first light breaks, the darkness is at its deepest. This symbolism lies at the heart of the lamentations, the Leçons de ténèbres. In 17th-century France, these lamentations could be heard everywhere, from opulent basilicas to simple village churches. François Couperin composed them for one and two voices with sparse accompaniment. Here, tradition and genius merge into perfection. The intimate performance by Le Caravansérail and Bertrand Cuiller is of pure beauty – with just four musicians, a grand gesture is made.

Sopranos Rachel Redmond and Maïlys de Villoutreys deliver Couperin’s richly ornamented musical orations with grace, demonstrating the sheer refinement of these spiritual meditations. Le Caravansérail frames the Leçons with a suite for viola da gamba and intimate harpsichord music.

Tickets: € 12,50 – € 39,00