Search - John Tavener, Steven Isserlis :: Svyati: Steven Isserlis Plays the Music of John Tavener

Haunting

06/16/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The works on this disc are some of John Tavener's most haunting offerings yet, and there is a fine range of pieces covered. All of them have one thing in common- namely, a 'cello part performed outstandingly well by Steven Isserlis. The title work, "Svyati", is calm and moving, and the 'dialogue' between 'cello and choir is most effective. "Eternal Memory" is a worthy follow-up to the touching "Thrinos" for solo 'cello, and the second movement will prove to anyone that Tavener is not always bound to write slow-paced music. "The Hidden Treasure" is the longest work on the disc and you need a quiet setting to experience its beauty fully. I feel that this piece even offers a small glimpse of Heaven itself... I put off listening to "Chant" for a while, but I can recommend it to anyone as a soothing and reflective piece of easy listening. The highlight of the disc has to be the combination of Isserlis and Patricia Rozario in the "Akhmatova Songs"- it's a pity that the original Russian text is not provided, but the poetry is set so brilliantly that you are never in doubt as to what is being expressed. This work offers a side of Tavener that isn't often seen. If you buy this disc, chances are you aren't going to be able to stop listening to it for a long while."

A nice variety of Tavener's works

M. J. Smith | Seattle, WA USA | 07/30/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"John Tavener's work can serve as a bridge to classical music - especially an anthology such as this. The Akhmatova Songs put six poems of Anna Akhmatova to music - the cello and the voice blend perfectly enhancing the beauty of the poem. The solo cello piece Chant is a meditative piece that retains interest in multiple listenings. It is original, memorable and cohesive (in contrast to much new age or minimalist music). Eternal Memory includes a second movement that is fast and dissonant - in contrast to much of Tavener's work - the plays well off the peaceful first and third movements.The center piece of the album is the title piece "O Holy One" - the cello can be seen either as an accompaniment to the choir - or as the solo voice for the choir. The effect is brilliant."