John Tavener

Two Hadiths Of The Prophet Mohammed

This work was commissioned by DOM in association with Canty, who gave the first performance in York Minster on 23rd October 2008. This brief motet for four voices and renaissance bray harp was written in the South of France in February 2007. It is a setting of two Hadiths, or sayings, attributed to the Prophet Mohammed. The words convey something of the great mystery of the Absolute and the Beautiful One, who is immanent and yet hidden. The music should be performed with great purity, in a resonant acoustic. If a renaissance bray harp is not available, the harp part may be played on a contemporary instrument.

I was a Hidden Treasure; And I longed to be known; So I created the world.

God is a Beautiful Being, And He loves Beauty.