This recital by two of his favourite artists celebrates the work of Sir John Tavener, who died last November. He ignored musical fashions and found his own way. His unique, powerful and profoundly spiritual music spoke to audiences all over the world. The Festival had a close relationship with him in the early part of his career (see also Erebus Ensemble on October 10th).
Mahavakyas is his last piece, “a meditation on the four great statements of the Upanishads, and also on the Sarabande from Cello Suite no 1 by Bach”. The new work is performed in the middle of Bach’s great suite, before the Sarabande..
Anna Akhmatova’s poems attracted him for “their simplicity, their starkness, their lack of frills, their complete lack of complexity”. His magnificent settings for soprano and cello (among Tavener’s own favourite pieces) match the poet’s depth, austere power and emotional range.
Melina (for solo soprano) is a gently ecstatic and radiant elegy for Greek actress Melina Mercouri.
The concert lasts an hour with no interval. Note start time.
We have the perfect duo for this recital. Patricia Rozario was Tavener’s soprano of choice – he recognized in her voice "a unique spiritual and primordial quality that I have never been able to find in another singer", and created more than 30 works for her.
“Patricia Rozario floats effortlessly with a voice of liquid gold” (Gramophone)
“Rozario is in her element, finely phrased and delicately nuanced” (Robert Maycock, BBC Music Magazine)
Mahavakyas was written for and dedicated to cellist Josephine Knight, who has given many Tavener premières.
“Her artistry and generosity of spirit shine through, and she creates a palpable, natural chemistry between audience and musicians” (David Finckel )
“A performance of utter dedication” (Evening Standard)