Search - Andrew Marriner, London Symphony Orchestra :: John Tavener: The Repentant Thief - Michael Tilson Thomas

A jewel as rare as they come

Mark Swinton | 06/03/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Had I not seen this on a shelf in one of York's many record shops, I probably would not have discovered it. I played it to a one-time love of my life (who is a clarinettist of considerable calibre) and she confirmed my feeling that this is a very special and unusual gem in Tavener's vast output.The piece actually began life as a simple melodic fragment, written by Tavener as a Valentine's day present to his wife (herself a clarinettist). After customary discussions with his spiritual support Mother Thekla, and in response to a commission, Tavener developed this fragment into this short work for solo clarinet, strings, timpani and handbells. It might on first hearing sound like a clarinet concerto, but in a sense it harks after Stravinsky's "Ebony Concerto," which is also on a small scale and in which the soloist is no more or less important than the rest of the ensemble. The piece is thus soloistic in more than one way.Coming hot on the heels of "The Protecting Veil," this work employs many compositional devices that will be familiar to devotees of that much larger work: the soloist carries the main melodies, which are echoed by other soloists (specifically a 'cello and a set of bells) whilst the accompanying strings act as a sounding board. This makes for some very lush harmonic moments, as well as some very sprightly and vigorous ones. The division of the work into sections - including three "dances" and two "laments" - is also consistent with "The Protecting Veil." Hence, although this is a purely instrumental work, the sense of the spiritual, traditional and even liturgical running throughout Tavener's choral music is evoked. There is also a magnetic "hummability" about the music - once heard, it is quite catchy! This is reinforced by the outstanding performance of Andrew Marriner and the taut direction of Michael Tilson Thomas.So, this is a gem in every sense. It's a pity, though, that the disc is so rarely available - although that may have something to do with the occasional nature of the piece and the fact that (as it presented singly) the running time is barely more than 20 minutes!"

A plaintive search for salvation

Mark Swinton | 10/22/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"A short work (20 minutes)for clarinet and orchestra, written by Tavener in 1990, "The Repentant Thief" is a dance-like work that evokes a peasant or folk atmosphere. The thief of the title is, of course, the criminal crucified with Jesus who asks, "Remember me when you come into your kingdom." The clarinet seems to represent the thief, who is searching for salvation through the dance, although not seeming to know which way to turn. The music is by turns plaintive and joyful. Something different for those who may be more familiar, as I am, with Tavener's vocal music."