Track Listing

1. Magnificat
2. Nunc Dimittis
3. Hymn to the Mother of God
4. Hymn for the Dormition of the Mother of God

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #54849 in Music
• Released on: 2001-02-20
• Number of discs: 1

Customer Reviews

Top-rate singing at a wonderful price
For all the minor "complaints" one could have about this recording, it is still a wonderful, recent recording of beautiful music from one of England's finest traditional choirs. For such a cheap price, it is WELL worth the money!

Tavener's music is perhaps an acquired taste. If modern, "hypnotic" sacred choral music appeals to you, then you would certainly do well to buy this recording, which includes some of Tavener's best works. I personally enjoy the Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis best. Everything on here is very well sung -- sometimes truly beautifully so -- by the men and boys of St. John's College Choir.

If you like Tavener, this CD is certainly worthy of your collection. If you are not familiar with Tavener's music, then this is the CD to buy to discover it -- the quality of singing is first-class and the price can't be beaten!

Just wanted to add...
I agree with the previous analysis of this recording, but I must point out that on Taverner's own recording of some of these works (entitled "Innocence", it includes the Lamb, the Tyger, Song for Athene) the sound quality is MUCH worse. Some tracks buzz, some seem to have been recorded in a giant washing machine. Buy this one -- plus it's ten bucks cheaper!

Incredible music at an incredible price
This is the best addition to my music library I've made in quite some time. Hearing the ethereal Song for Athene sung for Princes Diana's funeral I was mesmerized. It wasn't until our church choir began rehearsing this piece that I learned who had written it. I immediately went to Amazon to find more music by John Tavener. When I saw the price of this recording, I hesitated--perhaps the rest of his music doesn't match the quality of Athene? Why else would the price be so low? Since receiving my order I can only say it is worth far more. Anyone who enjoys the mystical eastern sounds introduced to us in the 60s and 70s will thoroughly enjoy Tavener's marriage of English choral music with the hypnotic droning "ohms" of eastern music.
You will experience mystery and contemplation as you listen. Blake's and Herbert's poetry take on new meaning when set to Tavener's provocative underpinnings. His other pieces further create a sense of wonder, meditation, and awe. To listen is to be drawn to worship. Each piece on the disc adds value to the recording. What a marvelous find.