Format : Vocal Score
The Lamb is John Tavener's setting of William Blake's poem for unaccompanied SATB (Soprano/Alto/Tenor/Bass) choir. John Tavener's mesmerising choral work The Lamb hasbeen a firm favourite since its composition in 1982. Audiences love the beautiful simplicity of the words and the lush harmonies that the different Vocal parts create. The piece was composed by Tavener in just oneafternoon and was dedicated to his nephew's third birthday. Although the piece is unaccompanied a Piano accompaniment is included for rehearsal purposes. This particular piece is challenging yet rewarding with divergent almost discordant parts in the first verse as the poem asks ambiguous questions. During the second verse however the song breaks into an uplifting harmony as the poem resolves to an epiphany. When performed well TheLamb is quietly atmospheric and a joy to hear. So for something special for your four-part choir to perform John Tavener's The Lamb is a hauntingly pretty piece that is sure to leave youraudiences speechless.
SKU: HL.14063892
ISBN 9781785588341. UPC: 840126939231. 6.75x9.75x0.304 inches.
This album features 16 of John Tavener's anthems for SATB choir.
Contents include: 'A Christmas Round', 'Advent Antiphon', 'Agnus Dei', 'As one who has slept', 'Exhortation and Kohima', 'TheFounder’s Prayer', 'God is with us (A Christmas Proclamation)', 'A Hymn to the Mother of God', 'The Lamb', 'Mother of God, here I stand', 'Nunc dimittis', 'O that we were there', 'Rocking', 'Song for Athene', 'Today theVirgin' and 'What God is, we do not know'.
SKU: HL.48024952
ISBN 9781784545987. UPC: 840126947243. 6.75x10.5 inches.
I was introduced to William Blake's poem The Lamb many years ago through John Tavener's famous setting and, when commissioned by York Minster to write a carol for their 2019 nine lessons and carols services, the idea of writing my own setting of this beautiful poem was hard to resist. For me, the biblical symbol of the lamb represents one of the most profound theological mysteries. That divine omnipotence as represented by the symbolic lamb speaks volumes of the humility and self-sacrificing nature of God; complexity illustrated in simplicity. The poet has seen within the vulnerability of the lamb, the profundity of God's self-sacrifice. I looked to convey the innocence of the lamb through the gentle opening of the piece with its simple melody and harmony. The harmonies gradually intensify as the questions of the text continue, and there is a stronger feel to the second verse as those questions begin to be answered and it is revealed that the Creator God is Himself the Lamb. A feeling of space should prevail, without the tempo dragging. The commas in bars 29, 33, 46, 51 and 52 imply there should be room to breathe, but not a whole quaver's worth of breath if possible.
