Tavener: Song for Athene / Svyati | 
 enlarge | Creators: Timothy Hugh, John Tavener, Christopher Robinson
Label: Naxos
Category: Music
List Price: $8.99
Buy New: $4.33
You Save: $4.66 (52%)
New (35) Used (12) from $2.23
Rating:  7 reviews
Media: Audio CD
Discs: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.3
Dimensions (in): 5.4 x 4.7 x 0.4
MPN: 8555256
UPC: 747313525621
EAN: 0747313525621
Release Date: February 20, 2001
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Shipping: International shipping available
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| Tracks:
| • | Magnificat | | • | Nunc Dimittis | | • | Hymn to the Mother of God | | • | Hymn for the Dormition of the Mother of God |
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| Customer Reviews: Read 2 more reviews...
 Wonderful... June 22, 2006
An American Organist (GA, USA)
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
I have had the privilege (yes privilege) to perform all the works of Tavener that are recorded on this CD. As an Organist/Choirmaster I have also had the pleasure of my choirs performing many of the works heard here, i.e. Funeral Ikos, The Tyger, The Lamb, Alleluia (Song for Athene), and Two Hymns to the Mother of God, amongst many others. His music is quite captivating and sometimes quite heart-wrenching. I know when "Funeral Ikos" was performed at the funeral services for a former Priest (Episcopalian), there wasn't a dry eye or seat in the place. The choir in this recording is a superb group and as expected, they performed remarkably well. There is no grey area when it comes to the music of John Tavener. If you want a good recording of his choral music, I highly suggest this CD.
 Controversial Tavener September 4, 2005
Poncho (Ontario)
4 out of 7 found this review helpful
Wander to over to Classicstoday.com and do a search for all the reviews of Tavener's works. You'll come to the inescapable conclusion: Tavener sucks. What's even more astounding is that this judgement seems to be shared by nearly all in Classicstoday's notoriously fractious stable of critics. Quite a feat.
So, is Tavener as bad as all that? I must confess that I haven't been exposed to what is apparently Tavener's worst stuff. Also, British critics hate self-promotion, and Tavener has practiced self-promotion (and pretension) to a nearly obscene degree. This may get in the way of a serious appraisal of his work.
I find this disk quite pleasant, although I can see how having to endure longer works of Tavener's would be difficult. His musical themes are very simple, and they are worked out in manner that can rather quickly become boring. In these short choral works, which are performed with expert precision, this thematic claustrophobia can actually produce a striking effect.
I have an inkling that there might be something of a Tavener revival 20 or 30 years from now. Make no mistake, he is fathoms below Part, Rautavaara, Hovhaness, Kancheli and Gubaidulina, among composers who write in a similar style. But on this disk, at least, he scores a moderate success.
Incredible music at an incredible price April 13, 2005
K. Osborne
This is the best addition to my music library I've made in quite some time. Hearing the ethereal Song for Athene sung for Princes Diana's funeral I was mesmerized. It wasn't until our church choir began rehearsing this piece that I learned who had written it. I immediately went to Amazon to find more music by John Tavener. When I saw the price of this recording, I hesitated--perhaps the rest of his music doesn't match the quality of Athene? Why else would the price be so low? Since receiving my order I can only say it is worth far more. Anyone who enjoys the mystical eastern sounds introduced to us in the 60s and 70s will thoroughly enjoy Tavener's marriage of English choral music with the hypnotic droning "ohms" of eastern music.
You will experience mystery and contemplation as you listen. Blake's and Herbert's poetry take on new meaning when set to Tavener's provocative underpinnings. His other pieces further create a sense of wonder, meditation, and awe. To listen is to be drawn to worship. Each piece on the disc adds value to the recording. What a marvelous find.
Top-rate singing at a wonderful price January 27, 2003
Gracejoy (New York, NY United States)
9 out of 9 found this review helpful
For all the minor "complaints" one could have about this recording, it is still a wonderful, recent recording of beautiful music from one of England's finest traditional choirs. For such a cheap price, it is WELL worth the money! Tavener's music is perhaps an acquired taste. If modern, "hypnotic" sacred choral music appeals to you, then you would certainly do well to buy this recording, which includes some of Tavener's best works. I personally enjoy the Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis best. Everything on here is very well sung -- sometimes truly beautifully so -- by the men and boys of St. John's College Choir. If you like Tavener, this CD is certainly worthy of your collection. If you are not familiar with Tavener's music, then this is the CD to buy to discover it -- the quality of singing is first-class and the price can't be beaten!
Nothing Special July 5, 2002
jingles_sunderland (Morrisville, NC United States)
3 out of 15 found this review helpful
I have liked Tavener since Apple and the Whale.I came across this in a budget section and gave it a whirl. Actually it has been in my car for three days. Well written, well sung, well orchestrated. Well what? Well it does not seem to me, although I am no expert, that it sounds pretty much like any other English choral music. It sounds good but does not sound special. I like it but it does not raise my soul.
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