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

Hear Tallis' masterpiece, The Lamentations of Jeremiah (part two), 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 Matthew Jorysz, Sub-organist.
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)

Learn more about this project on our website: www.westminster-abbey.org/tallis
Watch Part 1 of Tallis’ Lamentations: youtu.be/AvV07HjbQPE
Watch the behind-the-scenes documentary: youtu.be/OE6kaxNOX8o
Discover Holy Week and Easter at Westminster Abbey: www.westminster-abbey.org/Easter

Lyrics and translation:

LATIN
De lamentatione Jeremiae prophetae

Gimmel
Migravit Judas propter afflictionem, et multitudinem servitutis;
habitavit inter gentes, nec invenit requiem:
omnes persecutores ejus apprehenderunt eam inter angustias.

Daleth
Viæ Sion lugent, eo quod non sint qui veniant ad solemnitatem:
omnes portæ ejus destructæ, sacerdotes ejus gementes;
virgines ejus squalidæ, et ipsa oppressa amaritudine.

He
Facti sunt hostes ejus in capite; inimici ejus locupletati sunt:
quia Dominus locutus est super eam propter multitudinem iniquitatum ejus.
Parvuli ejus ducti sunt in captivitatem ante faciem tribulantis.

Jerusalem, Jerusalem, convertere ad Dominum Deum tuum.

ENGLISH
From the lamentations of the prophet Jeremiah:

Gimmel
Judah has gone into exile because of affliction and hard servitude;
she dwells now among the nations, but finds no resting place;
her pursuers have all overtaken her in the midst of her distress.

Daleth
The roads to Zion mourn, for none come to the festival;
all her gates are desolate; her priests groan;
her virgins have been afflicted, and she herself suffers bitterly.

He
Her foes have become the head; her enemies prosper,
because the Lord has afflicted her for the multitude of her transgressions;
her children have gone away, captives before the foe.

Jerusalem, Jerusalem, return to the Lord your God.