"Fall & Resurrection" by John Tavener is a monumental choral work that invites listeners into a profound exploration of time, existence, and spiritual rebirth. Composed for the dawn of the new millennium, this epic composition was first performed at the iconic St. Paul's Cathedral in London, capturing the essence of a world on the cusp of change. Tavener's signature minimalist style is on full display, weaving intricate layers of sound that evoke both the chaos of creation and the serenity of redemption.
The album is structured in three parts, each delving into different facets of the human experience and the divine narrative. From the primordial chaos of "Representation of Chaos" to the poignant lamentations of "Adam's Lament" and "The Lament of Mankind," Tavener's music paints a vivid tapestry of human struggle and spiritual longing. The work culminates in the transcendent "Cosmic Dance of the Resurrection," where all is transfigured, offering a sense of hope and renewal.
Recorded with the esteemed BBC Singers and St. Paul's Cathedral Choir under the baton of Richard Hickox, "Fall & Resurrection" benefits from stellar performances that bring Tavener's vision to life. The album features soloists Patricia Rozario and Michael Chance, adding depth and nuance to the choral textures. With a duration of just over an hour, this is a work that demands attention and rewards repeated listening, revealing new layers of meaning with each encounter. Released in March 2000, this album stands as a testament to Tavener's enduring genius and his ability to capture the spirit of his time.
2000 Chandos Records2000 Chandos Records
Tracks
Fall and Resurrection, Part I: Silence, darkness. In the beginning, before timeJohn Tavener, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia
Fall and Resurrection, Part I: Representation of ChaosJohn Tavener, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia
Fall and Resurrection, Part I: ParadiseJohn Tavener, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Patricia Rozario, Stephen Richardson, Adrian Peacock
Fall and Resurrection, Part I: The SerpentJohn Tavener, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Patricia Rozario, Stephen Richardson
Fall and Resurrection, Part I: Catastrophe. The Implications of the FallJohn Tavener, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Patricia Rozario, Stephen Richardson, Adrian Peacock, BBC Singers, St Paul's Cathederal Choir, John Scott
Fall and Resurrection, Part I: Adam's LamentJohn Tavener, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, BBC Singers, St Paul's Cathederal Choir, John Scott
Fall and Resurrection, Part I: The Lament of MankindJohn Tavener, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Patricia Rozario, Stephen Richardson, BBC Singers, St Paul's Cathederal Choir, John Scott
Fall and Resurrection, Part II: PredictionJohn Tavener, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Patricia Rozario, Stephen Richardson, Michael Chance, Adrian Peacock, BBC Singers, St Paul's Cathederal Choir
Fall and Resurrection, Part III: The Incarnation of the LogosJohn Tavener, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Patricia Rozario, Martyn Hill, Adrian Peacock, BBC Singers, St Paul's Cathederal Choir, John Scott
Fall and Resurrection, Part III: Cosmic Dance of the Resurrection. All is transfiguredJohn Tavener, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia