Located in the UK
Located in the USA
Located in Europe
- John Tavener
Lament for Jerusalem (2002)
- Chester Music Ltd (World)
Commissioned by Ars Musica Australis
- 2(afl).1.0.0/4.3.3.0./tbells.3 temple bowls/hp/str
- SATB
- Soprano, Countertenor
- 50 min
- English, Greek
Programme Note
Lament for Jerusalem is a mystical love song. It is only through love, that there can be a transcendent unity of all religions, and all manifestations of God. There is the Christic element in Christ's lament over Jerusalem, which is sung by the chorus in the original Greek; then, there is the Judaic element in the Psalm 'By the Waters of Babylon we sat down and wept', sung by the choir and soprano solo; the Islamic dimension is taken from the prologue of Rumi's sublime Masnavi, and this is always sung by the counter-tenor. I see the Lament as a mystical love song, because all three elements can be viewed esoterically, as a lament concerning the loss of the beatific vision. Also, with the knowledge that the loss is merely temporary, because the loss is far-outweighed by the Absolute and Infinite worth of that which is lost. Thus, it is only through love of God (which is the ultimate aim of this mystical love song) that the world, at an esoteric level, can heal itself in a civilisation of plurality and exoteric discord. Music is the highest form of philosophy, and I offer this love song to all who seek God, from whatever tradition they come. Any act of love, must by its very nature unite. The composer may take from Traditions as he pleases, and through the act of composing, which is an act of love, he attempts to form a unity.
The music of Lament for Jerusalem should be sung and played with great intensity, but at the same time, with great purity of heart, always reflecting the mystical, sacred and sublime nature of the texts, Also, although intensely tender, it should have a magisterial dignity, transcending any human dimension. The mysterious words of Christ ambiguously and consistently haunt the music of the entire Lament, showing perhaps a temporary loss of the Beatific vision at the end of the Hindu cycle, the Kali Yuga. This music attempts to bring about a transcendent unity though, by a music of tenderness and love, reflecting the sublimity of the three sacred texts.
John Tavener
The music of Lament for Jerusalem should be sung and played with great intensity, but at the same time, with great purity of heart, always reflecting the mystical, sacred and sublime nature of the texts, Also, although intensely tender, it should have a magisterial dignity, transcending any human dimension. The mysterious words of Christ ambiguously and consistently haunt the music of the entire Lament, showing perhaps a temporary loss of the Beatific vision at the end of the Hindu cycle, the Kali Yuga. This music attempts to bring about a transcendent unity though, by a music of tenderness and love, reflecting the sublimity of the three sacred texts.
John Tavener
Media
Lament for Jerusalem: I. Cycle I: Stanza I - By the waters of Babylon (Chorus)
Lament for Jerusalem: II. Cycle I: Cosmic Lament I - Listen to the reed-flute (Countertenor, Soprano, Chorus)
Lament for Jerusalem: III. Cycle II: Stanza II - For there, they that had taken us captive (Chorus)
Lament for Jerusalem: IV. Cycle II: Cosmic Lament II - 'Tis the fire of love (Countertenor, Soprano, Chorus)
Lament for Jerusalem: VI. Cycle III: Cosmic Lament III - Hail to thee Divine love! (Countertenor, Soprano, Chorus)
Lament for Jerusalem: VII. Cycle IV: Stanza IV - Let my tongue cleave to my throat (Chorus)
Lament for Jerusalem: VIII. Cycle IV: Cosmic Lament IV - If my Beloved touched me with His lips (Countertenor, Soprano, Chorus)
Lament for Jerusalem: IX. Cycle V: Stanza V - Remember, O Lord, the sons of Edom (Chorus)
Lament for Jerusalem: X. Cycle V: Cosmic Lament V - The beloved is all (Countertenor, Soprano, Chorus)
Lament for Jerusalem: XI. Cycle VI: Stanza VI - O daughter of Babylon (Chorus)
Lament for Jerusalem: XII. Cycle VI: Cosmic Lament VI - Love desires this secret should be revealed (Countertenor, Soprano)
Lament for Jerusalem: XIII. Cycle VII: Stanza VII - Since thou receivest the supplications of sinners (Chorus)
Lament for Jerusalem: XIV. Cycle VII: Cosmic Lament VII - Dost thou know why the mirror does not reflect (Countertenor, Soprano, Chorus)