Immerse yourself in the profound and serene compositions of John Tavener with this 2010 digital remaster of his classic albums, "The Whale" and "A Celtic Requiem." Originally released in 1970 and 1971 respectively, these works are now presented in a re-mastered edition, overseen by Tavener himself, ensuring an authentic and immersive listening experience.
"The Whale" is a captivating exploration of minimalism, featuring eight tracks that weave a narrative inspired by the biblical story of Jonah. Each piece, from "Documentary" to "The Vomiting," is a testament to Tavener's unique ability to blend spiritual themes with contemporary musical techniques. The choral arrangements are particularly striking, showcasing the composer's mastery of the genre.
"A Celtic Requiem," on the other hand, is a deeply moving choral work that pays homage to the traditional Celtic requiem. With tracks like "Requiem Aeternam" and "Dies Irae," Tavener seamlessly integrates Celtic musical elements with the solemnity of a requiem mass, creating a hauntingly beautiful experience. The album also includes the poignant piece "Nomine Jesu" and the evocative "Coplas."
This remastered edition, released under the Parlophone Catalogue label, spans a total of 76 minutes and is a testament to John Tavener's enduring legacy as one of Britain's most significant composers. Whether you're a long-time fan of Tavener's work or a newcomer to his music, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience.
The Whale: 1. DocumentaryJohn Tavener, London Sinfonietta, London Sinfonietta Chorus, David Atherton, Anna Reynolds, Alvar Lidell
The Whale: 2. Melodrama And PantomimeJohn Tavener, London Sinfonietta, London Sinfonietta Chorus, David Atherton, Anna Reynolds, Alvar Lidell
The Whale: 3. InvocationJohn Tavener, London Sinfonietta, London Sinfonietta Chorus, David Atherton, Anna Reynolds, Raimund Herincx
The Whale: 4. The StormJohn Tavener, London Sinfonietta, David Atherton
The Whale: 5. The SwallowingJohn Tavener, London Sinfonietta, London Sinfonietta Chorus, David Atherton, Anna Reynolds, Raimund Herincx, Alvar Lidell
The Whale: 6. The PrayerJohn Tavener, London Sinfonietta, London Sinfonietta Chorus, David Atherton
The Whale: 7. In The BellyJohn Tavener, London Sinfonietta, London Sinfonietta Chorus, David Atherton, Anna Reynolds
The Whale: 8. The VomitingJohn Tavener, London Sinfonietta, David Atherton, London Sinfonietta Chorus, Anna Reynolds, Raimund Herincx
A Celtic Requiem: 1. Requiem AeternamJohn Tavener, David Atherton, June Barton, London Sinfonietta, London Sinfonietta Chorus, Children from the Missenden Village School
A Celtic Requiem: 2. Dies IraeJohn Tavener, David Atherton, June Barton, London Sinfonietta, London Sinfonietta Chorus, Children From The Little Missenden Village School
A Celtic Requiem: 3. Requiescat In PaceJohn Tavener, David Atherton, June Barton, London Sinfonietta, London Sinfonietta Chorus, Children From The Little Missenden Village School
Nomine JesuJohn Tavener, Members Of The London Sinfonietta, Members Of The London Sinfonietta Chorus, Margaret Lensky
CoplasJohn Tavener, London Sinfonietta, London Sinfonietta Chorus, David Atherton
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