Immerse yourself in the profound and spiritual compositions of John Tavener with "The Protecting Veil & Wake Up...and Die," a captivating album released in 1998. This album showcases Tavener's mastery of minimalism and choral music, featuring the renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma in a series of deeply moving pieces.
The centerpiece of the album is "The Protecting Veil," a seven-part work inspired by the Feast of the Protecting Veil of the Mother of God. This piece, composed for cello and string orchestra, captures the cosmic power and spiritual depth of its subject matter, offering a meditative and introspective experience. The work is performed with exquisite sensitivity by Yo-Yo Ma, accompanied by the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra under the direction of David Zinman.
Complementing "The Protecting Veil" is "Wake Up...and Die," a poignant composition that further explores Tavener's unique musical language. This piece, also for cello and orchestral cello section, adds another layer of depth to the album, showcasing Tavener's ability to convey profound themes through minimalist means.
Recorded with Sony Classical, this album spans a duration of one hour and six minutes, providing a rich and immersive listening experience. Whether you are a fan of classical music, minimalism, or simply appreciate the beauty of the cello, this album is sure to resonate with you. John Tavener's compositions, with their spiritual and philosophical underpinnings, offer a unique and enriching experience for any music enthusiast.