John Tavener

Eternity's Sunrise

This work for soprano and baroque chamber orchestra, using text by William Blake, was commissioned by The Academy of Ancient Music on the occasion of its 25th anniversary. The piece is dedicated to the memory of Diana, Princess of Wales. Quoting Tavener:The concept of solo soprano (representing earth) at ground level, handbells (representing the angels) at an intermediate position, and the main baroque ensemble at a high level (representing heaven) fitted exactly with the Blake text which I had decided to set. When seen as things truly are, the earth is a mirror of the Eternal World, and when seen correctly, it is possible in this world to live in Eternity's sunrise. God does not exist in the world. And yet at the same time He is reflected in it, giving it form and structure. The music should be played with quiet joy, as a day of sunshine and calm, full of gentleness and radiance. Duration c. 15mins.