Dive into the rich tapestry of musical history with Peter Maxwell Davies' "Taverner," a profound opera that brings to life the story of the 16th-century English composer John Taverner. This two-act masterpiece, composed between 1962 and 1970, is a testament to Davies' extraordinary ability to weave intricate narratives through music. With a duration of 1 hour and 56 minutes, the album is a comprehensive exploration of Taverner's life, featuring 16 tracks that seamlessly blend historical context with musical brilliance.
The opera, performed by the BBC Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Oliver Knussen, showcases the talents of Martyn Hill and David Wilson-Johnson, who bring depth and nuance to the libretto penned by Davies himself. The album, released on April 1, 2012, by NMC Recordings, is a significant addition to Davies' extensive catalog, which spans over 334 works. Each track, from "Call John Taverner" to "This Is the Work of John Taverner," offers a unique glimpse into the life and times of John Taverner, making this album a captivating journey through history and music.
2012 NMC Recordings2012 (P) NMC Recordings
Tracks
Taverner, Act I: Call John TavernerPeter Maxwell Davies, Martyn Hill, Quentin Hayes, Peter Sidhom, Fiona Kimm, Michael Chance, Tom Jackman, Stuart Kale, London Voices, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Oliver Knussen
Taverner, Act I: Transition (1)Peter Maxwell Davies, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Oliver Knussen
Taverner, Act I: Hoc opus estPeter Maxwell Davies, Martyn Hill, London Voices, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Oliver Knussen
Taverner, Act I: Transition (2)Peter Maxwell Davies, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Oliver Knussen
Taverner, Act I: Our Good Lord CardinalPeter Maxwell Davies, Stephen Richardson, David Wilson-Johnson, Stuart Kale, Fretwork, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Oliver Knussen
Taverner, Act I: John Taverner, What Does the Lord Require of Thee?Peter Maxwell Davies, Martyn Hill, David Wilson-Johnson, John Graham-Hall, Peter Hall, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Oliver Knussen
Taverner, Act I: But This Is Not Enough, JohnPeter Maxwell Davies, Peter Sidhom, David Wilson-Johnson, Fiona Kimm, Martyn Hill, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Oliver Knussen
Taverner, Act I: Behold His Body, in Every PlacePeter Maxwell Davies, Peter Sidhom, Michael Chance, David Wilson-Johnson, John Graham-Hall, Stephen Richardson, Fiona Kimm, Martyn Hill, New London Children's Choir, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Oliver Knussen
Taverner, Act I: Taverner, Sign Your ConfessionPeter Maxwell Davies, Martyn Hill, David Wilson-Johnson, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Oliver Knussen
Taverner, Act II: My Lord AbbotPeter Maxwell Davies, Martyn Hill, Quentin Hayes, David Wilson-Johnson, Peter Sidhom, Fiona Kimm, Michael Chance, Tom Jackman, London Voices, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Oliver Knussen
Taverner, Act II: Transition (3)Peter Maxwell Davies, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Oliver Knussen
Taverner, Act II: How Fares Our Good Lord Cardinal?Peter Maxwell Davies, Stephen Richardson, Stuart Kale, David Wilson-Johnson, His Majestys Sagbutts & Cornetts, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Oliver Knussen
Taverner, Act II: Transition (4)Peter Maxwell Davies, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Oliver Knussen
Taverner, Act II: Videbat ergo Dominus in civitate iniquitatemPeter Maxwell Davies, Quentin Hayes, Martyn Hill, Stephen Richardson, London Voices, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Oliver Knussen
Taverner, Act II: Transition (5)Peter Maxwell Davies, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Oliver Knussen
Taverner, Act II: This Is the Work of John TavernerPeter Maxwell Davies, Martyn Hill, Quentin Hayes, Fiona Kimm, New London Children's Choir, London Voices, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Oliver Knussen
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