Composer

:

John Tavener

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Lament

Compose Date

:

1989

Average_duration

:

15:37

John Tavener's "Lament of the Mother of God" is a choral work that was composed in 1987. It premiered on May 16, 1987, at the Temple Church in London, England. The piece is divided into three movements, each with its own unique characteristics. The first movement, "Mother of God, Here I Stand," is a mournful plea to the Virgin Mary. The choir sings in unison, with the melody moving slowly and deliberately. The harmonies are simple and sparse, creating a sense of emptiness and longing. The lyrics are taken from a prayer by St. John Chrysostom, and they express the speaker's desire to be saved from sin and to be reunited with God. The second movement, "At the Cross, Her Station Keeping," is a setting of the Stabat Mater, a medieval hymn that describes Mary's grief at the crucifixion of Jesus. The choir sings in four-part harmony, with the melody moving in a more complex and intricate manner than in the first movement. The harmonies are rich and full, creating a sense of depth and emotion. The lyrics describe Mary's sorrow and her willingness to share in the suffering of her son. The third movement, "Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence," is a setting of a hymn from the Liturgy of St. James. The choir sings in eight-part harmony, with the melody moving in a majestic and triumphant manner. The harmonies are lush and full, creating a sense of awe and reverence. The lyrics describe the mystery of the incarnation and the glory of God. Overall, "Lament of the Mother of God" is a powerful and moving work that expresses the depth of human emotion and the mystery of faith. Tavener's use of simple melodies and sparse harmonies creates a sense of emptiness and longing, while his use of complex harmonies and intricate melodies creates a sense of depth and emotion. The piece is a testament to the power of music to express the ineffable and to touch the human soul.

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