Composer

:

John Tavener

Genre

:

Orchestral

Style

:

Orchestral

Compose Date

:

1993

Average_duration

:

29:02

Theophany is a choral work composed by John Tavener in 2003. It was premiered on January 6, 2004, at the Royal Albert Hall in London, England, by the London Symphony Chorus and Orchestra, conducted by Richard Hickox. The work is divided into three movements, each of which is characterized by its use of choral and orchestral textures, as well as its contemplative and meditative mood. The first movement, titled "The Uncreated Eros," begins with a soft, sustained chord in the strings, which is gradually joined by the choir. The text, taken from the writings of the early Christian mystic, St. Symeon the New Theologian, speaks of the divine love that exists between God and humanity. The music is characterized by its slow, contemplative pace, with the choir and orchestra weaving in and out of each other's textures. The second movement, titled "The Created Eros," is more lively and rhythmic than the first. The text, also taken from St. Symeon, speaks of the love that exists between human beings, and how it is a reflection of the divine love that exists between God and humanity. The music is characterized by its use of syncopated rhythms and driving percussion, which give the movement a sense of energy and movement. The third and final movement, titled "The Uncreated Light," is the most contemplative and meditative of the three. The text, taken from the writings of St. Gregory Palamas, speaks of the divine light that is revealed to those who seek God with a pure heart. The music is characterized by its use of soft, sustained chords in the strings, which are gradually joined by the choir. The movement builds to a climax, with the choir and orchestra reaching a powerful, sustained chord that gradually fades away into silence. Overall, Theophany is a deeply spiritual work that reflects Tavener's interest in the mystical traditions of Christianity. The work is characterized by its use of choral and orchestral textures, as well as its contemplative and meditative mood. It is a powerful and moving work that speaks to the human longing for connection with the divine.

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