Evoking a contemplative atmosphere with music inspired by the ancient service of compline

Since the fourth century, the service of Compline has marked the end of the day, ushering in the darkness of the night. Much of the music here is inspired by this ancient service, evoking a contemplative atmosphere, including renaissance polyphony by Lobo, Sheppard and Palestrina that contains startling harmonic shifts and expressive word painting. Then there is a turning point; the light returns, birds sing, and flowers bloom once more, with contemporary reflections by Veljo Tormis, Joanna Marsh, and Sarah Rimkus.

Thomas Tallis Te lucis ante terminum

John Sheppard In pace, in idipsum

Alonso Lobo Versa est in luctum

Donna McKevitt Lumen (Nunc Dimittis)

Jonathan Seers Look down, O Lord

William Byrd Teach me, O Lord (Psalm 119)

Hildegard von Bingen O Ecclesia, oculi tui

Owain Park Phos hilaron

Carlo Gesualdo Tenebrae factae sunt (from ‘Tenebrae Responsories’)

Joanna Marsh Fading

Veljo Tormis Marjal aega magada

Gerda Blok-Wilson O Little Rose, O Dark Rose

Sarah Rimkus My heart is like a singing bird

Josef Rheinberger Abendlied

Approximate duration 1 hour 10 minutes

ABOUT THE GESUALDO SIX

“Ingeniously programmed and impeccably delivered, with that undefinable excitement that comes from a group of musicians working absolutely as one.” – Gramophone

The Gesualdo Six is an award-winning British vocal ensemble comprising some of the UK’s finest consort singers, directed by Owain Park. Praised for their imaginative programming and impeccable blend, the ensemble formed in 2014 for a performance of Gesualdo’s Tenebrae Responsories in Cambridge and has gone on to perform at numerous major festivals across the UK, Europe, North America, Australia and New Zealand.

“Their sound seemed to float in mid-air before reaching the ears of the rapt audience… every line, every gorgeous texture was radiantly clear.” – The Times

Set your satnav for “Holdenby House” and follow the signs for parking.

You can then walk through to the gardens where we’ll be hosting a pre-concert drinks reception.

From there it’s just a brief walk to Holdenby Church for the concert.

Book Tickets Below:

18:15 Drink Reception on the lawn

19:30 Concert to begin