Tombeau Pour Alienor

Premiered in 2023, Thierry Escaich's cantata, Tombeau pour Aliénor, was commissioned by Ensemble Amarillis. Based on a poem by Olivier Py, it features the voice of Eleanor (1122-1204), who was twice queen in her lifetime. First she was Queen of France through her marriage to Louis VII, then of England through her second marriage to Henry II Plantagenet. Combined with pieces by Purcell, the seven lyric poems and three instrumental interludes with their varied sound combinations create a sensitive fresco, evoking the life and moods of the sovereign, her thoughts and desires.