Since the fourth century, the service of Compline has marked the end of the day, ushering in the darkness of the night. Much of the music the Gesualdo Six will perform is inspired by this ancient service, evoking a contemplative atmosphere, including renaissance polyphony by Lobo, Sheppard and Gesualdo that contains startling harmonic shifts and expressive word painting. Then there is a turning point; the light returns, birds sing, and flowers bloom once more, with contemporary reflections by Veljo Tormis, Joanna Marsh, and Sarah Rimkus.