Composer

:

John Tavener

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

2002

Average_duration

:

12:41

John Tavener's "Mother and Child" is a choral work that was composed in 1985. It was premiered on May 11, 1985, at the Cheltenham Festival by the BBC Singers, conducted by Stephen Cleobury. The piece is divided into three movements, each of which explores the relationship between a mother and her child. The first movement, "The Child," is a setting of a poem by William Blake. The music is gentle and flowing, with a sense of innocence and wonder. The choir sings the words of the child, expressing his or her joy and curiosity about the world. The second movement, "The Mother," is a setting of a poem by Tavener himself. The music is more contemplative and introspective, reflecting the mother's love and concern for her child. The choir sings the words of the mother, expressing her hopes and fears for her child's future. The final movement, "The Child and the Mother," brings the two voices together in a duet. The music is more complex and intense, reflecting the deep bond between mother and child. The choir sings both voices, weaving them together in a beautiful and moving harmony. Overall, "Mother and Child" is a deeply emotional and spiritual work that explores the universal themes of love, family, and the human experience. Tavener's use of simple melodies and harmonies, combined with his powerful and evocative lyrics, creates a work that is both accessible and profound.

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