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Product Description
Amazon.co.uk Review
Ideal for neophytes, John Tavener: A Portrait is a two-disc set presenting a chronological survey of the composer's major works produced to coincide with his 60th birthday (January 2004). Although it's a sampler collection consisting of short extracts, it all fits together well because the music is accompanied by a lengthy and informative booklet essay by David McCleery that puts all the extracts in the context of Tavener's Gnostic musical journey of self-discovery, from avant-garde pal of the Beatles to Russian Orthodoxy to all-embracing spirituality.
The representative selection is compiled from a variety of recordings and record labels (though there's nothing here from his most famous early work The Whale). The Protecting Veil (performed by Maria Kliegel) as well as his later "divine" musings are given due prominence, naturally enough. But even Tavener acolytes who already have the full-length versions of many of these pieces will still be tempted by the inclusion of the premiere recording of Prayer of the Heart, featuring Icelandic singer Björk and the Brodsky Quartet. The addition of a recorded interview with the composer himself ensures that anyone wishing to learn more about Tavener's often opaque and enigmatic music will do well to begin here. --Mark Walker
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
18 of 19 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
What a superb presentation, a great collection of music including the sublime 'Song for Athene ' along with the World Premiere of ' Prayer of the Heart ' featuring Bjork. The interview section of disc two is rather special, full of interesting stories. John Tavener is a gentle soul and comes across as an egoless gentleman, I thoughly enjoyed hearing him speak. This two disc set comes in a slip-clase and full 68 page booklet, and at very resonable price this must be the Classical bargain of the year !. This music moved me to tears... truly beautiful. Dont miss this.
14 of 15 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
This is how CDs ought to be presented.
The music speaks for itself - a comprehensive (albeit not definitive) overview of Taverner's work. Taverner excels at the understated and enigmatic; this collection reminds you of the strength in depth that Taverner can offer.
This was the first time I'd heard Prayer of the Heart; what a wonderful piece, with an electrifying performance by Bjork.
What really impressed me was the audio interview with Taverner and the really interesting booklet by David McCleery.
In an age where DVDs seem to come with endless extras as standard, why don't more CD publishers provide quality extras in the way that Naxos have here? The interview and essay turn a great CD into an indispensible package.
.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
This is the John Tavener born in the 1940's, not the John Taverner (with an `R') of the 1490's. Their music is quite different, so the mistaken identity will only be made once in terms of CD purchases.
John Tavener was born in London in 1944, hence this double CD of his popular works being released in 2004 to mark his 60h birthday.
Much of the music here is short pieces from the full works so gives a good overview to the newcomer, to whom this is directed, of the style of music produced by the composer. The range of music is varied, at times startlingly so, from the freestyle and unpredictable `Mandelion for organ' to the slightly eerie `Prayer of the Heart' with the subtle string playing of the Brodsky quartet played alongside the harshly grating sound of Bjork `singing'.
A real bonus is the 68 page booklet which provides an excellent biography of Tavener, some interesting photos, plus of course the tracklist. Also of interest is a 45 or so minute interview with Tavener on CD2.
A perfect introduction to the music of Tavener, and confirmation that Bjork really is a unique artist.
John Tavener was born in London in 1944, hence this double CD of his popular works being released in 2004 to mark his 60h birthday.
Much of the music here is short pieces from the full works so gives a good overview to the newcomer, to whom this is directed, of the style of music produced by the composer. The range of music is varied, at times startlingly so, from the freestyle and unpredictable `Mandelion for organ' to the slightly eerie `Prayer of the Heart' with the subtle string playing of the Brodsky quartet played alongside the harshly grating sound of Bjork `singing'.
A real bonus is the 68 page booklet which provides an excellent biography of Tavener, some interesting photos, plus of course the tracklist. Also of interest is a 45 or so minute interview with Tavener on CD2.
A perfect introduction to the music of Tavener, and confirmation that Bjork really is a unique artist.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
Excellent introduction.
I had only heard 'The protecting Veil' and a compilation (called 'Funeral Ikos')prior to this.
Although I cannot say that I was bowled over by the first disk (which is not to... Read more
Although I cannot say that I was bowled over by the first disk (which is not to... Read more
Published on 13 Aug 2004 by "black_ant_king"
Written in Heaven
Well, what can I say. This album is just beautiful.
Listen to "Song For Athene". This is such a wonderful piece of music, it must be written in Heaven. Read more
Listen to "Song For Athene". This is such a wonderful piece of music, it must be written in Heaven. Read more
Published on 21 May 2004 by mtoning
Viva Björk! Viva John Tavener!
The following review is going to focus exclusively on the composition PRAYER OF THE HEART, which John Tavener wrote for Björk. Read more
Published on 4 Mar 2004 by Vargiu Riccardo James
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