Immerse yourself in the profound and contemplative world of John Tavener's "Lament for Jerusalem," a choral masterpiece released in 2006 under the Naxos label. This minimalist album spans 54 minutes, offering a deeply spiritual and introspective journey through its twelve tracks. Tavener, renowned for his evocative and meditative compositions, weaves together choral and solo vocal performances to create a hauntingly beautiful exploration of lamentation and divine love. The album is structured in cycles, alternating between choral stanzas and cosmic laments, featuring the ethereal voices of countertenors and sopranos. Each piece delves into themes of exile, longing, and spiritual yearning, drawing from ancient texts and mystical poetry. "Lament for Jerusalem" is a testament to Tavener's unique ability to blend minimalist aesthetics with profound emotional depth, making it a captivating experience for both seasoned classical music enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
2006 Naxos2006 Naxos
Tracks
Lament for Jerusalem: I. Cycle I: Stanza I - By the waters of Babylon (Chorus)John Tavener, Angharad Gruffydd Jones, Peter Crawford, Choir of London, Choir of London Orchestra, Jeremy Summerly
Lament for Jerusalem: II. Cycle I: Cosmic Lament I - Listen to the reed-flute (Countertenor, Soprano, Chorus)John Tavener, Angharad Gruffydd Jones, Peter Crawford, Choir of London, Choir of London Orchestra, Jeremy Summerly
Lament for Jerusalem: III. Cycle II: Stanza II - For there, they that had taken us captive (Chorus)John Tavener, Angharad Gruffydd Jones, Peter Crawford, Choir of London, Choir of London Orchestra, Jeremy Summerly
Lament for Jerusalem: IV. Cycle II: Cosmic Lament II - 'Tis the fire of love (Countertenor, Soprano, Chorus)John Tavener, Angharad Gruffydd Jones, Peter Crawford, Choir of London, Choir of London Orchestra, Jeremy Summerly
Lament for Jerusalem: V. Cycle III: Stanza III - How shall we sing the Lord’s song in a strange land? (Chorus)John Tavener, Angharad Gruffydd Jones, Peter Crawford, Choir of London, Choir of London Orchestra, Jeremy Summerly
Lament for Jerusalem: VI. Cycle III: Cosmic Lament III - Hail to thee Divine love! (Countertenor, Soprano, Chorus)John Tavener, Angharad Gruffydd Jones, Peter Crawford, Choir of London, Choir of London Orchestra, Jeremy Summerly
Lament for Jerusalem: VII. Cycle IV: Stanza IV - Let my tongue cleave to my throat (Chorus)John Tavener, Angharad Gruffydd Jones, Peter Crawford, Choir of London, Choir of London Orchestra, Jeremy Summerly
Lament for Jerusalem: VIII. Cycle IV: Cosmic Lament IV - If my Beloved touched me with His lips (Countertenor, Soprano, Chorus)John Tavener, Angharad Gruffydd Jones, Peter Crawford, Choir of London, Choir of London Orchestra, Jeremy Summerly
Lament for Jerusalem: IX. Cycle V: Stanza V - Remember, O Lord, the sons of Edom (Chorus)John Tavener, Angharad Gruffydd Jones, Peter Crawford, Choir of London, Choir of London Orchestra, Jeremy Summerly
Lament for Jerusalem: X. Cycle V: Cosmic Lament V - The beloved is all (Countertenor, Soprano, Chorus)John Tavener, Angharad Gruffydd Jones, Peter Crawford, Choir of London, Choir of London Orchestra, Jeremy Summerly
Lament for Jerusalem: XI. Cycle VI: Stanza VI - O daughter of Babylon (Chorus)John Tavener, Angharad Gruffydd Jones, Peter Crawford, Choir of London, Choir of London Orchestra, Jeremy Summerly
Lament for Jerusalem: XII. Cycle VI: Cosmic Lament VI - Love desires this secret should be revealed (Countertenor, Soprano)John Tavener, Angharad Gruffydd Jones, Peter Crawford, Choir of London, Choir of London Orchestra, Jeremy Summerly
Lament for Jerusalem: XIII. Cycle VII: Stanza VII - Since thou receivest the supplications of sinners (Chorus)John Tavener, Angharad Gruffydd Jones, Peter Crawford, Choir of London, Choir of London Orchestra, Jeremy Summerly
Lament for Jerusalem: XIV. Cycle VII: Cosmic Lament VII - Dost thou know why the mirror does not reflect (Countertenor, Soprano, Chorus)John Tavener, Angharad Gruffydd Jones, Peter Crawford, Choir of London, Choir of London Orchestra, Jeremy Summerly