The Lamentations of Jeremiah
Hear the first part of Thomas Tallis' masterpiece, The Lamentations of Jeremiah, sung by Lay Vicars from the Choir of Westminster Abbey.
About the Lamentations
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.
The Lamentations of Jeremiah
Conducted by Andrew Nethsingha, Organist and Master of the Choristers
Simon Ponsford, countertenor
William Balkwill, tenor
Mark Dobell, tenor
Stuart O’Hara, bass
Robert Macdonald, bass
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Lyrics and Translation
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.
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.
Holy Week at Westminster Abbey
Explore services, livestreams and faith resources for Holy Week with the Abbey.
You are surrounded by history at the Abbey, not like a museum where it’s just displayed, but here you are standing where history has happened.
