Idealism And Mysticism

John Tavener is a composer that is open to criticism with his "holy minimalist" approach and the similarity of much of his output in terms of both style and content. Maybe it is just the result of a cynical age when any sincere expression of faith is suspect. Tavener doesn't help himself in that respect with his changes of position through various stages of mysticism. Whatever, I think I now have about all the Tavener music that I will ever need unless there is a radical change from him. This final disk to consider is a recording of Lament For Jerusalem performed by the Choir of London and Orchestra conducted by Jeremy Summerly with soprano Angharad Gruffydd Jones and countertenor Peter Crawford. Tavener describes this piece as a mystical love song comprising of Christian, Judaic and Islamic texts sung in Greek and English. It is both a lament for the loss of peace in the holy city but also an affirmationof the power of love to bring together all who seek God from whatever tradition they come. Idealistic to be sure but a point of view worth promoting. Although Tavener has shifted away slightly from his Orthodox Christian stance, there is still a Byzantine feel to the musical content which the choir and soloists are at pains to bring out. If you know anything of Tavener, you will know what to expect from this and if that appeals, it is a recommendable version.