SANSARA +

Back in April 2022, we teamed up with Fretwork to present a programme for Holy Week featuring music by Arvo Pärt and this stunning set of Lamentations by Robert White (1538-1574). His Lamentations in five parts are the very best of his music and represent one of the high points of English vocal music of the time. The set was given pride of place in Robert Dow’s magnificent part books of the 1580s, in which Dow wrote after the music: "The words of the weeping prophet do not sound as sad as the music of my author."

Recorded and filmed at St John's Smith Square on Thursday 14 April, 2022.
Video & audio production: Ben Tomlin

Text:
Heth.

Peccatum peccavit Jerusalem propterea instabilis facta est; omnes qui glorificabant eam spreverunt illam: quia viderunt ignominiam eius ipsa autem gemens et conversa est retrorsum

Teth.

Sordes eius impedibus eius nec recordata est finis sui. Deposita est vehementer: non habens consolatorem. Vide Domine afflictionem meam: Quoniam erectus est inimicus.

Iod.

Manum suam misit hostis ad omnia desiderablia eius: quia vidit gentes ingressas sanctuarium suum de quibus præceperas ne intrarent in Ecclesiam tuam.

Jerusalem convertere ad dominum deum tuum.

Caph.

Omnis populus eius gemens et quærens panem, dederunt preciosa quæque pro cibo ad refocilandam animam. Vide Domine et considera quoniam facta sum vilis.

Lamed.

O vos omnes qui transitis per viam attendite et videte si est dolor sicut dolor meus quoniam vindemiavit me: ut locutus est Dominus in die iræ furores sui.

Mem.

De excelso misit ignem in ossibus meis, et erudivit me. Epandit rete pedibus meis convertit me retrorsum. Posait me desolationem: tota die morose confectam.

Jerusalem convertere ad dominum deum tuum.

Translation:
Jerusalem hath sinned a sin, therefore she is made unstable: all that did glorify her hath despised her, because they have seen her ignominy: but she is turned back sighing.

Her filthiness is on her feet, neither hath she remembered her end: she is pulled down exceedingly, having no comfort: see, O Lord, mine affliction, because the enemy is exalted.

The enemy hath thrust his hand into all her things worthy to be desired: because she hath seen the Gentiles enter into her sanctuary, who Thou gavest command that they should not enter into thy church.

Jerusalem, return unto the Lord thy God.

All her people sighing, and seeking bread: they have given all precious things for meat to refresh the soul, see, O Lord, and consider, because I am become vile.

O all ye that pass, attend, and see if there be sorrow like to my sorrow: because he hath made vintage of me, as our Lord hath spoken in the day of the wrath of his fury.

From on high he hath cast a fire in my bones, and hath taught me: he hath spread a net for my feet and turned me backward: He hath made me desolate, all the day consumed with sorrow.

Jerusalem, return unto the Lord thy God.