Tenebrae: Modern readings, music in an ancient rite
St. Mark’s Tenebrae is divided into six Nocturnes. Each Nocturne represents a powerful call for God to make God’s presence known in the dark, chaotic areas of humankind.
Click here to view on Facebook.The service concludes with the gradual extinguishing of candles and other lights in the church until only a single candle, considered a symbol of God, remains. Toward the end of the service, this candle is hidden, typifying the apparent victory of the forces of evil. At the very end, all depart in silence.
The name Tenebrae (the Latin word for “darkness” or “shadows”) has for centuries been applied to the ancient monastic night and early morning services (Matins and Lauds) of the last three days of Holy Week, which in medieval times came to be celebrated on the preceding evenings.