in reflecting on his thinking before writing the music, tavener said of the woman for whom he wrote this music as a tribute - athene hariades - "her beauty, both outward and inner, was reflected in her love of acting, poetry, music and of the orthodox church.” he had heard athene reading shakespeare in westminster abbey, and after her funeral, developed the idea of composing a song which combined words from the orthodox funeral service and shakespeare's hamlet.there is in this music a sense of profound purity and truth . . . . john tavener . . . song for athene . . .
this excellent newspaper article details something of john tavener the man, as well as john tavener the musician.
4 comments:
John Tavener ... never heard of him (until today, of course!) ... quite obvious that he loved her deeply. Only five notes. Reminded me a little bit of a Gregorian chant. Just beautiful in its simplicity. Thank you for sharing, Steven!
hi goldenrod, i'm glad that you appreciated john tavener's music. much of it is similarly lovely and simply complex . . . like gregorian chant. i didn't mention in the posting that this particular piece of music was most widely heard at the funeral of diana, princess of wales.
i also didn't mention that john tavener is a direct descendant of the sixteenth century composer john tavener, widely considered one of the most important composers of his time. for me that's a very exciting connection. can you imagine? the same name, the same gift!
steven
Not that surprising a connection, but -- exciting? Yes! Love your use of the oxymoronic phrase, "simply complex". You, sir, are FUN!
there is so much inside, around and associated with each simple matter! i've known that for a long time it seems. in my undergrad years i learned about the ideas of simple complexity from cyberneticist gregory bateson who was married to margaret mead.
it's one of the most appealing features of teaching - unpacking the simple and revealing the complexities - and then just as carefully repacking the parcel!!
steven
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