Recording Review

Richard Toensing. Responsoria. Choir of the Church of Saint Luke in the Fields; Thomas Kolor, percussion; Troy L. Rinker Jr., double bass; Christopher Oldfather, piano; David Shuler, conductor. Liner notes by Alan A. Luhring. 2000. 3 discs. North/South Records N/S R 1022.

This music is based on texts from the Offices of the Roman Catholic Church for Holy Week: specifically Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday. The texts consist of nine lessons and responses for each day. Toensing’s settings of the responses constitute slightly over two hours of music that vividly captures the poignancy of Christ’s Passion. The Responsoria texts are drawn from various parts of Holy Scripture (Lamentations of Jeremiah, Corinthians, Hebrews, and so on) and writings of the Church Fathers, particularly Augustine. Jesus’s final week on earth—his betrayal by Judas and other events leading to the crucifixion—is observed with venerated commentary that has a strong resonance in Christian culture.