Donald Macleod focuses on John Tavener's first major musical success, following an encounter with John Lennon and a requiem dedicated to a Carmelite priest.
Donald Macleod explores the life and music of maverick composer John Tavener. His name is linked in many people's minds with the funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales, where his Song for Athene was heard by millions around the world. Over the years, he has been associated with figures as diverse as the Beatles, Steven Isserlis, Bjork and a Russian Orthodox nun.
The programme focuses on Tavener's first major success, helped by an encounter with John Lennon, two works which brought him increased recognition and a requiem dedicated to a Carmelite priest.
New Beginning (excerpt)
(BBC recording)
Song for Athene
The Holst Singers
Stephen Layton (director)
Decca 4750962 Tr 1
The Whale (Part 2)
Anna Reynolds (mezzo-soprano)
Raimund Herincx (baritone)
Alvar Lidell (Speaker)
John Tavener (organ and Hammond organ)
London Sinfonietta
London Sinfonietta Chorus
David Atherton (conductor)
Apple CDSAPCOR15
In Alium (Section 1)
Eileen Hulse (soprano)
Ulster Orchestra
Takuo Yuasa (conductor)
Naxos 8.554388 Tr 8
Ultimos Ritos (1st mvt)
Patricia Rozario (soprano)
BBC Singers
BBC Symphony Orchestra
Richard Hickox (conductor)
(BBC recording)
Little Requiem for Malachy Lynch
Westminster Abbey Choir
English Chamber Orchestra
Martin Neary (conductor)
Sony Classical SK66613 Tr 7.
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Music Played
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John Tavener
New Beginning (excerpt)
- (BBC recording).
![]()
John Tavener
Song for Athene
Performer: The Holst Singers Performer: Stephen Layton (director)
- Decca 4750962.
![]()
John Tavener
The Whale (Part 2)
Performer: Anna Reynolds (mezzo-soprano) Performer: Raimund Herincx (baritone) Performer: Alvar Lidell (Speaker) Performer: John Tavener (organ and Hammond organ) Performer: London Sinfonietta Performer: London Sinfonietta Chorus Performer: David Atherton (conductor)
- Apple CDSAPCOR15.
![]()
John Tavener
In Alium (Section 1)
Performer: Eileen Hulse (soprano) Performer: Ulster Orchestra Performer: Takuo Yuasa (conductor)
- Naxos 8.554388.
![]()
John Tavener
Ultimos Ritos (1st mvt)
Performer: Patricia Rozario (soprano) Performer: BBC Singers Performer: BBC Symphony Orchestra Performer: Richard Hickox (conductor)
- (BBC recording).
![]()
John Tavener
Little Requiem for Malachy Lynch
Performer: Westminster Abbey Choir Performer: English Chamber Orchestra Performer: Martin Neary (conductor)
- Sony Classical SK66613.
Broadcasts
- Mon 21 Sep 200912:00BBC Radio 3
- Mon 21 Sep 200922:00BBC Radio 3
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