The Lamentations of Jeremiah

Discover the World of Thomas Tallis

Delve into 16th century England, where Thomas Tallis was composing his Lamentations of Jeremiah in a time of extraordinary religious and cultural change. In this documentary from Westminster Abbey, explore the theological and historical context of Tallis, alongside commentary on this musical masterpiece. Enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like to sing in the Abbey, with exclusive footage from the recording of these choral videos inside this historic building.

Part 1

Incipit lamentatio Jeremiæ prophetæ:

Aleph
Quomodo sedet sola civitas plena populo!
Facta est quasi vidua domina gentium;
princeps provinciarum facta est sub tributo.

Beth
Plorans ploravit in nocte, et lacrimæ ejus in maxillis ejus:
non est qui consoletur eam, ex omnibus caris ejus;
omnes amici ejus spreverunt eam, et facti sunt ei inimici.

Jerusalem, Jerusalem, convertere ad Dominum Deum tuum.

Part 2

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.

Part1

Here beginneth the lamentation of Jeremiah the prophet

Aleph
How doth the city sit solitary, that was full of people!
How is she become as a widow! She that was great among the nations
and princess among the provinces, how is she become tributary!

Beth
She weepeth sore in the night, and her tears are on her cheeks;
among all her lovers she hath none to comfort her;
all her friends have dealt treacherously with her,
they are become her enemies.

Jerusalem, Jerusalem, return unto the Lord thy God.

Part 2

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.