Composer

:

John Tavener

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1999

First Performance

:

Dec 19, 2000

Average_duration

:

6:09

John Tavener's 'Birthday Sleep' is a choral work that was composed in 1996. It was premiered on 16th November 1996 at the Royal Albert Hall in London, by the BBC Symphony Chorus and Orchestra, conducted by Andrew Davis. The piece is divided into three movements, each of which is characterized by its own unique musical style and mood. The first movement, titled 'The Dormition of the Mother of God', is a slow and meditative piece that features a solo soprano voice singing a text in Greek. The music is characterized by its use of long, sustained notes and a simple, yet haunting melody. The choir provides a gentle, ethereal background to the soloist's voice, creating a sense of otherworldliness and spiritual contemplation. The second movement, 'The Source', is a more lively and rhythmic piece that features a solo tenor voice singing a text in English. The music is characterized by its use of syncopated rhythms and driving percussion, which give the piece a sense of energy and movement. The choir provides a powerful, choral backdrop to the soloist's voice, creating a sense of celebration and joy. The final movement, 'The Epiphany', is a slow and contemplative piece that features a solo baritone voice singing a text in English. The music is characterized by its use of long, sustained notes and a simple, yet powerful melody. The choir provides a gentle, choral background to the soloist's voice, creating a sense of awe and wonder. Overall, 'Birthday Sleep' is a deeply spiritual and contemplative work that draws on a variety of musical styles and traditions. It is characterized by its use of solo voices, choral harmonies, and a sense of otherworldliness and spiritual contemplation. The piece is a testament to Tavener's skill as a composer and his ability to create music that is both beautiful and deeply moving.

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