The Cathedral Choir sings their annual devotion for Good Friday, where we hear the Passion story told in words and music.
Tenebrae, meaning ‘The Darkness’, originated in the Middle Ages. Originally recited at night in a candle-lit sanctuary, the service accompanied the last days of Holy Week. It is characterised by a passage of light to darkness through the extinguishing of candlelight – traditionally, of fifteen candles - and by chanting of texts from the book of Lamentations. Through its Scripture and song, Tenebrae offers a prolonged meditation and commemoration of Christ’s suffering: a darker prelude to the light of Easter. The final candle is left burning alone in the darkness – symbolic of the anticipation of the resurrection of Christ.
Our service is based around readings from Lamentations and the Seven Last Words of Jesus from the Cross. The Cathedral Choir sing The Four Lenten Motets by Francis Poulenc, as well as music by John Sanders, William Walton, and Pierre Villette.
Entrance for this service is through the Southwest Porch.
