John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

The cellist Mstislav Rostropovich commissioned Tenebrae and gave its first performance with the National Symphony Orchestra under Hugh Wolff on 23 November 1982 at the Kennedy Center. The work was inspired by Adrian Leverkühn’s cantata, described by Thomas Mann in his novel Doctor Faustus.

The work’s Latin title, Tenebrae, meaning shadow or darkness, is linked to the Christian tradition of Mattins and Lauds celebrated before dawn on the last three days of Holy Week. The name comes from the opening words of the fifth of the nine responsories for Good Friday Mattins: ‘Tenebrae factae sunt, dum crucifixissent Jesum Judaei’ (Darkness fell when the Jews crucified Jesus). The prayer is accompanied by fifteen candles lit in the dark church, where the congregation experience the Passion drama of Jesus’ fear before his death. After each responsory and canticle, one candle is extinguished; the last, ‘Jesus’, candle remains lit and is hidden behind the altar as a symbol of Jesus’ death. Nordheim’s Tenebrae resounds with the cello’s solo to the rhythm of the candlelight disappearing into the darkness. (jc)