Tallis' Lamentations of Jeremiah I sung by the Lay Vicars of Westminster Abbey

Hear Tallis' masterpiece, The Lamentations of Jeremiah (part one), sung by Lay Vicars from the Choir of Westminster Abbey. In the 16th century, the English composer Thomas Tallis set five verses of the Biblical book of Lamentations to music. This exquisite, mournful pair of motets remains a beloved musical choice for ensembles and churches around the world. During Holy Week, when Christians remember Jesus Christ's suffering and death, the Lamentations are often sung in Tenebrae services or on Good Friday. The grief expressed in the Lamentations gives voice to our sorrow as we remember Christ's passion. Conducted by Andrew Nethsingha, Organist and Master of the Choristers Simon Ponsford, countertenor William Balkwill, tenor Mark Dobell, tenor Stuart O’Hara, bass Robert Macdonald, bass Produced by Dave Hinitt A film by Classical Films (www.classicalfilms.co.uk) To find out more about Holy Week at Westminster Abbey, visit our website at www.westminster-abbey.org/Easter. To receive regular email updates about faith and music at the Abbey, subscribe to our faith newsletter at www.westminster-abbey.org/subscribe. Lyrics and translation: LATIN Incipit lamentatio Jeremiæ prophetæ: Aleph Quomodo sedet sola civitas plena populo! Facta est quasi vidua domina gentium; princeps provinciarum facta est sub tributo. Beth Plorans ploravit in nocte, et lacrimæ ejus in maxillis ejus: non est qui consoletur eam, ex omnibus caris ejus; omnes amici ejus spreverunt eam, et facti sunt ei inimici. Jerusalem, Jerusalem, convertere ad Dominum Deum tuum ENGLISH Here beginneth the lamentation of Jeremiah the prophet Aleph How doth the city sit solitary, that was full of people! How is she become as a widow! She that was great among the nations and princess among the provinces, how is she become tributary! Beth She weepeth sore in the night, and her tears are on her cheeks; among all her lovers she hath none to comfort her; all her friends have dealt treacherously with her, they are become her enemies. Jerusalem, Jerusalem, return unto the Lord thy God.