Tenebrae Responsories (18).

This article focuses on a recording of Tomás Luis de Victoria's 18 Tenebrae responsories from his 1585 Office for Holy Week, performed by the vocal ensemble I Fagiolini under Robert Hollingworth. Tenebrae is a special form of the Matins office during the final three days of Holy Week, consisting of three nocturns each with three scripture lessons followed by responsories; Victoria set the responsories for the second and third nocturns, while the first nocturn's responsories were traditionally sung to plainsong. The recording features one voice per part with transparent four-voice textures and understated dynamics, creating an intimate and delicate sound distinct from the more dramatic settings by Carlo Gesualdo. Interspersed are elegiac poems by Christopher Reid reflecting on personal loss, which complement but do not directly relate to the Tenebrae texts.