None is more desirable than the present disc, a reconstruction of the Holy Week office of Ténèbres, settings (or Lessons) from the Lamentations of Jeremiah along with the appropriate responsories and the Miserere.

The Lessons and Miserere, scored for one or two sopranos and continuo with the addition of flutes, are early works (the responsories date from rather later) composed in 1670 and 1673. Marked by a directness and restraint that frequently recalls Charpentier's probable Italian teacher Carissimi, the music is utterly sublime and supremely accomplished.

The plastic vocal lines move seamlessly between recitative and air, the voices now in sympathetic unison, now in imitation punctuated by the most exquisite of gentle dissonances, suspensions and long, ethereal melismas.

It would be difficult to envisage more ravishing performances than those of Gens and Rime, who have recorded in an ideal ambiance that imparts a wonderfully sympathetic bloom to the voices. Gester and his small forces -bass viol, theorbo and organ or harpsichord in addition to the flutes- provide fully sympathetic support.

If you don't already own this gem of a disc, do rectify the omission without further delay -you won't find a better bargain.
BRIAN ROBINS

Office de ténèbres
MARC-ANTOINE CHARPENTIER
Martin Gester
Le Parlement de Musique
Véronique Gens, Noémi Rime
Opus 111 OPS 10-003
1991 - 63:20 min.