Tavener: The Protecting Veil; The Last Sleep of the Virgin

John Tavener (Composer), Rudolf Werthen (Conductor, Orchestra), The Orchestra of Flanders I Fiamminghi (Orchestra), Flanders Fiamminghi Orchestra (Orchestra) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Orchestra: Rudolf Werthen, The Orchestra of Flanders I Fiamminghi, Flanders Fiamminghi Orchestra
• Conductor: Rudolf Werthen
• Composer: John Tavener
• Audio CD (September 29, 1998)
• SPARS Code: DDD
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Telarc
• ASIN: B00000C2HV
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #367,384 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. I. The Protecting Veil

2. II. The Nativity Of The Mother Of God

3. III. Annunciation

4. IV. The Incarnation

5. V. Lament Of The Mother Of God At The Cross

6. VI. The Resurrection

7. VII. The Dormition Of The Mother Of God

8. VIII. The Protecting Veil

9. The Last Sleep Of The Virgin

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful music with spiritual content, October 16, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Tavener: The Protecting Veil; The Last Sleep of the Virgin (Audio CD)

Tavener is a talented composer from Britain who is influenced by Orthodox Christian spirituality. "Last Sleep of the Virgin" is based on a Russian Orthodox hymn and uses a string orchestra and handbells. The combination produces an ethereal and contemplative mood. At first hearing one might be tempted to label this New-Age-style music but it is light-years beyond that. The twin bases of Tabener's formal composition skill and use of Orthodox themes produce a piece of music which is well-constructed, rewarding to the serious listener, and redolent of an intrinsic spiritual value that much music nowadays, for all its claimed spirituality, merely overlays on itself. In other words, it gives the listener what the composer asks - a contemplation of the Virgin Mary and her place in Christendom.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars I've heard most and this is one of the best of the P.V., June 2, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Tavener: The Protecting Veil; The Last Sleep of the Virgin (Audio CD)

I wrote an extensive paper for my doctorate in music about John Tavener's "The Protecting Veil" and I listened to most of the recordings available through 1999; and this is one of my favorites. I also enjoyed the original Steven Isserlis recording, the Raphael Wallfisch recording and the Yo-Yo Ma recording, but this recording was very polished and beautifully done. I think most people who enjoy Tavener will enjoy his unique textures in "The Last Sleep of the Virgin," this is also a new favorite Tavener piece of mine. You won't be disappointed with this recording!

5.0 out of 5 stars Truly Moving, February 1, 2011

By 

Michael Delander - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Tavener: The Protecting Veil; The Last Sleep of the Virgin (Audio CD)

This album is a rich series of primarily string solos of Violin and Cello, that that inspires emotion and thought. A number of the tracks would nicely accompany Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet.