Composer

:

John Tavener

Genre

:

Concerto

Style

:

Concerto

Compose Date

:

1991

Average_duration

:

9:47

Movement_count

:

3

Movement ....

'Eternal Memory' is a choral work composed by John Tavener in 1981. It was premiered on 28th November 1981 at the funeral of a young friend of Tavener's, who had died in a car accident. The piece is written for unaccompanied choir and is dedicated to the memory of the composer's father, who had also recently passed away. The work is divided into three movements, each of which is based on a different text. The first movement is based on the Orthodox funeral service and is a setting of the hymn 'Memory Eternal'. The second movement is a setting of a poem by the Russian poet Anna Akhmatova, entitled 'Requiem'. The final movement is a setting of a text from the Gospel of John, 'I am the resurrection and the life'. The overall character of the piece is one of deep mourning and contemplation. Tavener's use of simple, chant-like melodies and sparse harmonies creates a sense of stillness and introspection. The choir is often divided into smaller groups, creating a sense of intimacy and vulnerability. The use of repetition and gradual build-up of intensity in the first movement creates a sense of ritual and ceremony, while the second movement is more introspective and personal. The final movement is a powerful affirmation of faith and hope in the face of death. 'Eternal Memory' has become one of Tavener's most popular and frequently performed works. Its universal themes of grief, loss, and hope have resonated with audiences around the world, and its simple yet profound beauty continues to inspire and move listeners.

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