An orchestra in Munich, Germany has just released this video on Jeremiah’s prayers from the book of Lamentations on Babylon’s sacking of Jerusalem and destruction of the Jewish Temple in 586 BC. The video was produced during the pandemic.
Aleteia, a Catholic news site, explains:
A German orchestra has released most incredible work of sacred music to be recorded since the world pandemic began. Titled Oratio, the work draws on the texts of the biblical Book of Lamentations, which when put to music is usually called “The Lamentations of Jeremiah.”
This is a brand new composition from contemporary German composer Mathias Rehfeldt. A composer of sacred music and film scores, Rehfeldt beautifully captures the emotion behind the text, which is a collection of poetic laments for the destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC. The work features a full orchestra and chorus performing at Munich’s jaw-dropping Theatine Church, conducted by Father Robert Mehlhart OP.
READ: ‘Oratio’ is the greatest sacred music recording of 2020
Lamentations 1:1-4:
How deserted lies the city,
once so full of people!
How like a widow is she,
who once was great among the nations!
She who was queen among the provinces
has now become a slave.
2 Bitterly she weeps at night,
tears are on her cheeks.
Among all her lovers
there is no one to comfort her.
All her friends have betrayed her;
they have become her enemies.
3 After affliction and harsh labor,
Judah has gone into exile.
She dwells among the nations;
she finds no resting place.
All who pursue her have overtaken her
in the midst of her distress.
4 The roads to Zion mourn,
for no one comes to her appointed festivals.
All her gateways are desolate,
her priests groan,
her young women grieve,
and she is in bitter anguish.
OpentheWord.org 