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Chanticleer and the Handel & Haydn Society of Boston: John Tavener-Lamentations and Praises
Chanticleer, the Handel & Haydn Society of Boston and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, commissioned the piece from English composer Sir John Tavener, who has been long known for his sacred vocal works. Lamentations and Praises, a "liturgical drama," was composed and arranged specifically for the 12 voices of Chanticleer and the unusual combination of instruments and electronics as presented by the H&H Society. Chanticleer's music director Joseph Jennings conducted Chanticleer and the H&H Society on the recording. "Lamentations and Praises" had its premiere on January 31, 2002 at Stanford Memorial Church and was co-presented by Chanticleer and Stanford Lively Arts.
Characteristic of Tavener's recent compositions, "Lamentations and Praises" was inspired by the composer's Orthodox faith. The title of this liturgical drama is actually a melding of the Greek and Russian Orthodox traditions. The texts are based on a series of Ikons, or conventional religious images painted on small wooden panels and used in Eastern Christian devotionals, derived from Holy Week and further based on The Service of Matins of Holy and Great Saturday. These Ikons are not unlike the Stations of the Cross in Roman Catholic heritage. The Greek Church assigns these texts as "Praises" and the Russian Church uses the term "Lamentations."
Tavener dictated in the score that this music should be performed in the "Orthodox Byzantine Style," requiring a refined microtonal touch in presentation. Tavener further dictated that a Tibetan Temple Bowl and a Byzantine Monastery Bell be struck every twenty beats throughout the work to signify to eternal presence of God. The result is a work of beautiful and powerful continuity, perfectly integrated and perfectly familiar. Chanticleer provides what can only be a perfect performance in the wonderfully informed style we have come to expect from the ensemble. The composition with certainly join Tavener’s other great sacred works. Recordings like this can never be recommended too highly.
Visit Teldec and Chanticleer and the Handel and Haydn Society .
Track Listing
Golgotha: The Descent From the Cross; Stasis I; "Wherewithal shall a young man...;" Thrinos; Epitaphios Procession I: From Golgotha to the Anointing Stone; The Descent From The Cross II; Stasis II; "Let now your mercy...;" "Your hands have made me...;" Thrinos; Epiaphios Procession II: to the Tomb Entrance; The Descent from The Cross III; Stasis III; "Princes have persecuted me
Personnel
Chanticleer
vocalsJoseph Jennings- Conductor; Matthew Alber, Christopher Fritzsche, Ian Howell-Soprano; Jesse Antin, Jay White, Philip Wilder-Alto; Kevin Baum; Michael Lichtenauer, Mathew Oltman-Tenor; Eric Alatorre, David Alan Marshall, Mark Sullivan-Baritone and Bass. The Handel & Haydn Society of Boston.
Album information
Title: John Tavener-Lamentations and Praises | Year Released: 2003 | Record Label: Teldec
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