John Tavener

Overview Biography Discography

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History

Sir John Tavener

Sir John Tavener (born January 28, 1944, in Wembley, London; died November 12, 2013, in Dorset) was a distinguished British composer, a direct descendant of the 16th-century composer John Taverner. He received his education at Highgate School and the Royal Academy of Music, where he studied under Sir Lennox Berkeley.

Early Career and Recognition

Tavener first gained significant attention in 1968 with his dramatic cantata The Whale, inspired by the biblical story of Jonah. This work premiered at the London Sinfonietta's inaugural concert and was subsequently recorded by Apple Records. The following year, he began teaching at Trinity College of Music in London. His early work for Apple also included the Celtic Requiem.

Spiritual Influence and Major Works

In 1977, Tavener joined the Russian Orthodox Church, a decision that profoundly influenced his musical output. Orthodox theology and liturgical traditions, particularly its mystical aspects, became central to his compositions. He explored the writings of Church Fathers like St. John Chrysostom, setting them to music.

One of his most beloved and frequently performed pieces is The Lamb (1982), a short, unaccompanied choral setting of William Blake's poem, written for his nephew. This simple, homophonic work is often performed as a Christmas carol.

Tavener's compositions also reflected his engagement with Russian and Greek culture, evident in works such as Akhmatova Requiem and Sixteen Haiku of Seferis. Later significant compositions include:

Following Diana's death, he composed Eternity's Sunrise in her memory, drawing on poetry by William Blake.

Later Works and Philosophical Explorations

While reports suggested Tavener explored various religious traditions, including Hinduism and Islam, influenced by mystic philosopher Frithjof Schuon, he remained an Orthodox Christian. His brother, Roger, however, leaned towards Sufism.

In 2003, Tavener completed the extensive work The Veil of the Temple, which draws on texts from multiple religions and is scored for four choirs, several orchestras, and soloists, with a duration of at least seven hours.

His 2004 piece, Prayer of the Heart, written for and performed by Björk, was released on CD and featured in Jake Lever's installation 'Centre + Circumference' (2008).

Musical Style and Legacy

Tavener's early music was influenced by Igor Stravinsky, echoing the soundscapes of works like Requiem Canticles. His later compositions became more sparse, utilizing wide registral spaces and diatonic tonality. Some critics have noted similarities with the work of Arvo Pärt, stemming from their shared religious traditions and technical elements, though these comparisons are considered somewhat superficial. Olivier Messiaen has also been cited as an influence on his earlier compositions.