Deeply tied to the composer’s own life, the narrative of Lacrimosa invites reflection in the face of loss. This sonic work draws inspiration from Alice Coltrane’s spiritual Eternity (1976) as well as the traditional structure of the Requiem, a mass for the dead. One of its sections, the Dies Irae, evokes Judgment Day and concludes with the Lacrimosa (literally, “full of tears”), depicting the weeping of souls in search of salvation.

In Lacrimosa, Low Jack transforms autobiographical elements into a messianic, polyglot form, unfolding across eight movements that chart the storms and serenity of grief. The piece unfolds from dawn to dusk, as the eyes open and then close. An initiatory solar cycle, from which one returns like Dante in his Divine Comedy, transcendent yet grief-stricken by the loss of a guiding presence.

Low Jack crafts one of his most intimate compositions, weaving together musical archetypes and universal narrative structures, drawing from both classical lyrical music and pop standards.
credits
released November 4, 2025

Composed by Low Jack.
Lyrics by Mélanie Matranga.
Vocal Arrangements and Co-Production by Nicolas Worms



Singers: Jeanne Zaepffel, Julia Jerosme, Max Latarjet, Mélanie Matranga and Low Jack.


Recorded between Paris and Florence at Numeroventi.


Additional vocals on “Ardenti Solis” by Kingdom Molongi aka Alain Nguzuma, David Nguzuma, Anne Sumbu, Blessing Kubuya and Dellavine Katembo. Recorded in Kampala at Villa Nyege Nyege by Declared Sound.

Vocals on “Oculi Aperti’ by Ensemble vocal Voix des Outre-mer aka Joseph de Cange, Thomas Custodio, Auguste Truel, Ève Tibere, Ludivine Turinay, Julienne Mahailet and Axelle Rascar. Recorded live in Paris at Bourse de Commerce-Pinault Collection on April 25th 2025 under the artistic direction of Fabrice di Falco.

Back cover image: courtesy of Mélanie Matranga, 反复 [FANFU], Palais de Tokyo, 2015.

Mastering by Mathieu Savenay.

Design by Victor Verhelst.