Tenebrae: I Saw Eternity

Passion and precision are the hallmarks of the Tenebrae ensemble, founded in London in 2001 and one of the world’s leading vocal ensembles. Famously distinguished for outstanding interpretations of choral music from the Renaissance to the modern era, Tenebrae regularly commissions new works from contemporary composers. 2021, the Scottisch composer Sir James MacMillan was asked to compose a work to be performed alongside Motetten form Johann Sebastian Bach.

These have been staples of the choral repertoire since their inception and are known for their technical difficulty,as well as their emotional range, which can only be overcome with great attention to detail. Thus MacMillan composed a moving setting of words by the Welsh-born metaphysical poet Henry Vaughan (1621–1695), which also gave its title to the programme presented at The Parish Church (Stadthauptpfarrkirche) of St. Jakob, Villach: I Saw Eternity. This and other works by MacMillan will be framed by three of Johann Sebastian Bach’s most famous choral works. After the contemplative pieces Komm, Jesu, komm and Jesu, meine Freude, the concert culminates in the joyful song Singet dem Herrn.