Tavener: Lament for Jerusalem

Tavener: Lament for Jerusalem

This recording is a call for rejoicing for Tavener fans. Even those who have found his music turgid in the past might be taken with the austere beauty of the Lament. It refers to Jesus' lament as he looks over Jerusalem realizing that it has rejected God's messengers. The text brings together Christian, Judaic, and Islamic texts and are sung in English and Greek. The choir alternates with countertenor and soprano. While the work relies heavily on thematic repetition, the effect is devout and introspective rather than static, and Tavener's strong changes in dynamics and textures keeps the ear engaged; indeed the ear catches the differences, rather than the samenesses. It is a work that requires patience, and Tavener's piety can seem overwhelming and preachy, but there is great beauty to be found here. The performances of soloists, choir and orchestra under Jeremy Summerly are exuisite and graceful; in particular, counter-tenor Peter Crawford handles his high, melismatic passages beautifully. --Robert Levine
Country USA
Brand Naxos
Manufacturer Naxos
Binding Audio CD
ReleaseDate 2006-03-21
UnitCount 1
UPCs 747313282623
EANs 0747313282623

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