John Tavener: Angels: SATB: Vocal Score

This anthem The Peace That Surpasseth Understanding by John Tavener was commissioned jointly by the Dean and Chapter of Westminster and the Ministry of Defence. It was first performed at a Service in Honourof the Passing of the World War One Generation in Westminster Abbey on Wednesday 11th November 2009 in the presence of Her Majesty The Queen and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh by the Choir of Westminster Abbeyconducted by James O’Donnell. COMPOSER’S NOTEIn this setting of Saint Paul’s great statement I have tried in a simple and primordial manner to suggest majesty solemnity and a radiance of peace andbliss. I have also given the music a ceremonial nature by inserting ‘Allelouias’ sounding from ‘Heaven’ (semi-chorus) gradually rising in pitch until they are answered by ‘Allelouias’ from‘The World’ (main choir). The music forms a gradual crescendo reflecting the meaning of the words. At the musical and spiritual climax the full organ sounds four chords which represent The Four Angels beforethe Throne of God. The final chord then transforms into the sacred monosyllable OM which hums around the building representing the Peace and Beatitude of God’s Presence. Duration: c. 4 minutes

Song For Athene for unaccompanied SATB choir was commissioned by the BBC and written in memory of Athene Hariades who died in March 1993. The text is taken from Shakespeare's Hamlet and the Orthodox FuneralService. The work was first performed at the funeral of Diana Princess of Wales in September 1997 under the title Alleluia. May Flights of Angels Sing Thee to Thy Rest. Martin Neary conducted the Westminster AbbeyChoir.