"Tavener: The Veil of the Temple" is a monumental choral work by the late Sir John Tavener, released in 2013. This sprawling, two-and-a-half-hour composition is a testament to Tavener's unique blend of minimalism and spiritual depth, drawing from various religious and mystical traditions. The album is a profound exploration of the sacred, featuring intricate choral arrangements that evoke a sense of timelessness and reverence.
Commissioned by the Temple Church in London, "The Veil of the Temple" is structured in eight cycles, each containing multiple movements that delve into themes of creation, divine love, and spiritual awakening. The work is notable for its use of repetitive phrases and haunting melodies, characteristic of Tavener's minimalist style, which creates a meditative and transcendent atmosphere.
The album opens with the ethereal "Mystical Love Song of the Sufis" and includes a variety of sacred texts, from the Gospel of St. John to the Beatitudes of St. Isaac the Syrian. Tavener's mastery of choral writing is evident throughout, with each cycle building upon the previous, culminating in the apocalyptic and triumphant final movements.
Performances on the album are led by renowned choirs and conductors, including the Holst Singers and the Temple Church Choir, ensuring a high level of musical excellence. The album is a significant addition to Tavener's discography, showcasing his ability to create deeply moving and spiritually resonant music. Whether you are a fan of choral music, minimalism, or simply seeking a profound listening experience, "Tavener: The Veil of the Temple" offers a rich and rewarding journey into the sacred and the divine.
(C) 2013 Signum Records
Tracks
The Veil of the Temple, Cycle I: I. Mystical Love Song of the SufisJohn Tavener, Brass Ensemble of the English Chamber Orchestra, Patricia Rozario, Dirk Campbell, Stephen Layton
The Veil of the Temple, Cycle I: II. Primordial CallJohn Tavener, Trebles of the Temple Church Choir, John Thurgood, Adrian Peacock, David Barnard, Simon Wall, Jeremy Birchall, Stephen Layton
The Veil of the Temple, Cycle II: I. Primordial CallJohn Tavener, Brass Ensemble of the English Chamber Orchestra, John Thurgood, Hugh Benson, Christopher Kassam, Stephen Layton
The Veil of the Temple, Cycle II: II. God's CreationJohn Tavener, The Holst Singers, The Temple Church Choir, Adrian Peacock, David Barnard, Simon Wall, Jeremy Birchall, Hugh Benson, Christopher Kassam, Stephen Layton
The Veil of the Temple, Cycle II: III. Outside the Gates of ParadiseJohn Tavener, The Holst Singers, The Temple Church Choir, Simon Wall, Nathan Vale, Hugh Benson, Christopher Kassam, Stephen Layton
The Veil of the Temple, Cycle II: IV. Our FatherJohn Tavener, The Holst Singers, The Temple Church Choir, Hugh Benson, Christopher Kassam, James Vivian, Ian Le Grice, Stephen Layton
The Veil of the Temple, Cycle II: V. Holy MaryJohn Tavener, The Holst Singers, The Temple Church Choir, Robert Millett, Hugh Benson, Christopher Kassam, Stephen Layton
The Veil of the Temple, Cycle II: VI. Alleluia, Theos ErastosJohn Tavener, The Holst Singers, The Temple Church Choir, Hugh Benson, Christopher Kassam, Stephen Layton
The Veil of the Temple, Cycle II: VII. Gospel of St JohnJohn Tavener, The Temple Church Choir, Thomas Guthrie, Stephen Layton
The Veil of the Temple, Cycle II: VIII. Thrice-Holy Hymn - ResurrectionJohn Tavener, The Holst Singers, The Temple Church Choir, Trebles of the Temple Church Choir, Robert Millett, Stephen Layton
The Veil of the Temple, Cycle II: IX. Beatitudes of St Isaac the SyrianJohn Tavener, Boys of the Temple Choir, The Holst Singers, The Temple Church Choir, Robert Millett, James Vivian, Ian Le Grice, Stephen Layton
The Veil of the Temple, Cycle III: I. Primordial CallJohn Tavener, The Temple Church Choir, Hugh Benson, Christopher Kassam, Robert Millett, Alex Mitchell, Yates Norton, Luca del Panta, John Thurgood, Stephen Layton
The Veil of the Temple, Cycle III: II. Psalm of CreationJohn Tavener, The Holst Singers, Hugh Benson, Christopher Kassam, Robert Millett, Stephen Layton
The Veil of the Temple, Cycle III: III. O Blessed Paradise, Pray for MeJohn Tavener, The Holst Singers, The Temple Church Choir, Simon Wall, Nathen Vale, Hugh Benson, Christopher Kassam, Robert Millett, James Vivian, Ian Le Grice, Stephen Layton
The Veil of the Temple, Cycle IV: I. Primordial CallJohn Tavener, The Holst Singers, The Temple Church Choir, Hugh Benson, Christopher Kassam, Robert Millett, Alex Mitchell, Yates Norton, Luca del Panta, John Thurgood, Stephen Layton
The Veil of the Temple, Cycle IV: II. Mystery of the Nothingness of GodJohn Tavener, The Holst Singers, The Temple Church Choir, Hugh Benson, Christopher Kassam, Robert Millett, Stephen Layton
The Veil of the Temple, Cycle V: I. Primordial CallJohn Tavener, The Temple Church Choir, Hugh Benson, Christopher Kassam, Robert Millett, Alex Mitchell, Yates Norton, Luca del Panta, John Thurgood, Stephen Layton
The Veil of the Temple, Cycle V: II. You Mantle Yourself in LightJohn Tavener, The Holst Singers, The Temple Church Choir, Patricia Rozario, Stephen Layton
The Veil of the Temple, Cycle V: III. Jesus PrayerJohn Tavener, The Holst Singers, The Temple Church Choir, James Vivian, Ian Le Grice, Stephen Layton
The Veil of the Temple, Cycle V: IV. The Lord's PrayerJohn Tavener, The Holst Singers, The Temple Church Choir, James Vivian, Ian Le Grice, Stephen Layton
The Veil of the Temple, Cycle VI: I. Primordial CallJohn Tavener, The Temple Church Choir, Hugh Benson, Christopher Kassam, Robert Millett, Alex Mitchell, Yates Norton, Luca del Panta, John Thurgood, James Vivian, Ian Le Grice, Stephen Layton
The Veil of the Temple, Cycle VI: II. What God is, we do not knowJohn Tavener, The Holst Singers, Hugh Benson, Christopher Kassam, Robert Millett, James Vivian, Ian Le Grice, Stephen Layton
The Veil of the Temple, Cycle VI: III. God of StrengthJohn Tavener, The Holst Singers, The Temple Church Choir, Hugh Benson, Christopher Kassam, Robert Millett, Alex Mitchell, Yates Norton, Luca del Panta, John Thurgood, James Vivian, Ian Le Grice, Stephen Layton
The Veil of the Temple, Cycle VI: IV. Kyrie Eleison - ChantJohn Tavener, The Holst Singers, The Temple Church Choir, Hugh Benson, Christopher Kassam, Robert Millett, Stephen Layton
The Veil of the Temple, Cycle VI: V. Te Re Rem – Ecstatic ChantJohn Tavener, The Holst Singers, The Temple Church Choir, Hugh Benson, Christopher Kassam, Robert Millett, James Vivian, Ian Le Grice, Alex Mitchell, Yates Norton, Luca del Panta, John Thurgood, Stephen Layton
The Veil of the Temple, Cycle VI: VI. Jesus Having Risen from the TombJohn Tavener, The Holst Singers, The Temple Church Choir, Hugh Benson, Christopher Kassam, Robert Millett, James Vivian, Ian Le Grice, Stephen Layton
The Veil of the Temple, Cycle VII: I. Apocalyptic Primordial CallJohn Tavener, Brass Ensemble of the English Chamber Orchestra, Hugh Benson, Christopher Kassam, Robert Millett, Alex Mitchell, Yates Norton, Luca del Panta, John Thurgood, James Vivian, Ian Le Grice, Stephen Layton
The Veil of the Temple, Cycle VII: II. Absolved in the MirrorJohn Tavener, Brass Ensemble of the English Chamber Orchestra, Patricia Rozario, James Vivian, Ian Le Grice, Dirk Campbell, Stephen Layton
The Veil of the Temple, Cycle VII: III. Jesus PrayerJohn Tavener, The Holst Singers, The Temple Church Choir, Hugh Benson, Christopher Kassam, Robert Millett, James Vivian, Ian Le Grice, Stephen Layton
The Veil of the Temple, Cycle VII: IV. Hesychast MeditationJohn Tavener, The Holst Singers, The Temple Church Choir, Hugh Benson, Christopher Kassam, Robert Millett, James Vivian, Ian Le Grice, Stephen Layton
The Veil of the Temple, Cycle VII: V. Mary TheotokosJohn Tavener, The Holst Singers, The Temple Church Choir, James Vivian, Ian Le Grice, Hugh Benson, Christopher Kassam, Robert Millett, Stephen Layton
The Veil of the Temple, Cycle VII: VI. Hail, Veil of the TempleJohn Tavener, The Holst Singers, The Temple Church Choir, James Vivian, Ian Le Grice, Hugh Benson, Christopher Kassam, Robert Millett, Stephen Layton
The Veil of the Temple, Cycle VII: VII. Mother of GodJohn Tavener, The Holst Singers, The Temple Church Choir, James Vivian, Ian Le Grice, Stephen Layton
The Veil of the Temple, Cycle VII: VIII. AlleluiaJohn Tavener, The Holst Singers, The Temple Church Choir, James Vivian, Ian Le Grice, Hugh Benson, Christopher Kassam, Robert Millett, Yates Norton, Luca del Panta, Stephen Layton
The Veil of the Temple, Cycle VII: IX. The Gospel of St JohnJohn Tavener, Brass Ensemble of the English Chamber Orchestra, Simon Wall, Stephen Layton
The Veil of the Temple, Cycle VIII: I. MaranathaJohn Tavener, The Holst Singers, The Temple Church Choir, Andrew Rupp, Adrian Peacock, James Vivian, Ian Le Grice, Stephen Layton
The Veil of the Temple, Cycle VIII: II. Awake Thou That SleepestJohn Tavener, The Temple Church Choir, Thomas Guthrie, Stephen Layton
The Veil of the Temple, Cycle VIII: III. Into BeautyJohn Tavener, Brass Ensemble of the English Chamber Orchestra, Patricia Rozario, James Vivian, Ian Le Grice, Dirk Campbell, Stephen Layton
The Veil of the Temple, Cycle VIII: IV. Rending of the Veil of the Temple: Maya AtmaJohn Tavener, The Holst Singers, The Temple Church Choir, Patricia Rozario, Hugh Benson, Christopher Kassam, Robert Millett, Alex Mitchell, Yates Norton, Luca del Panta, John Thurgood, James Vivian, Ian Le Grice, Stephen Layton
The Veil of the Temple, Cycle VIII: V. Knights Templar in the Temple ChurchJohn Tavener, The Holst Singers, The Temple Church Choir, Trebles of the Temple Church Choir, Jeremy Birchall, Hugh Benson, Christopher Kassam, Robert Millett, Stephen Layton
The Veil of the Temple, Cycle VIII: VI. Light of ChristJohn Tavener, The Holst Singers, The Temple Church Choir, Jeremy Birchall, James Vivian, Ian Le Grice, Hugh Benson, Christopher Kassam, Robert Millett, Stephen Layton
The Veil of the Temple, Cycle VIII: VII. Cosmic RisingJohn Tavener, The Holst Singers, The Temple Church Choir, Trebles of the Temple Church Choir, Jeremy Birchall, Thomas Guthrie, Andrew Rupp, James Vivian, Ian Le Grice, Hugh Benson, Christopher Kassam, Robert Millett, Stephen Layton
The Veil of the Temple, Cycle VIII: VIII. New Jerusalem - Upanishad HymnJohn Tavener, The Holst Singers, The Temple Church Choir, Brass Ensemble of the English Chamber Orchestra, Patricia Rozario, Hugh Benson, Christopher Kassam, Robert Millett, James Vivian, Ian Le Grice, Alex Mitchell, Yates Norton, Luca del Panta, Stephen Layton
The Veil of the Temple, Cycle VIII: IX. ShántihJohn Tavener, The Holst Singers, The Temple Church Choir, Patricia Rozario, Stephen Layton
Sir John Tavener, a towering figure in contemporary British music, is celebrated for his profound and spiritually resonant compositions. Born in 1944, Tavener's extensive catalog of choral and orchestral works is deeply rooted in his exploration of spirituality, beauty, and truth, often drawing from Orthodox Christianity and mysticism. His music, characterized by its contemplative stillness and artful simplicity, stands in stark contrast to the avant-garde excesses of his time, offering a sanctuary of serenity and reflection.
Tavener's most renowned works, including "The Lamb," "The Protecting Veil," and "Song for Athene," have earned him widespread acclaim and a devoted following. His compositions, often described as a form of prayer, have redefined the sounds of church and religious music, leaving an indelible mark on the musical landscape. Beyond his musical achievements, Tavener's personal journey, marked by a deepening faith and a brush with death, further enriched his artistry, making him a uniquely affecting presence in the world of music. His legacy continues to inspire, inviting audiences to engage with the divine through the power of sound.
Vinylscout
John Tavener
