Composer

:

John Tavener

Genre

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

2011

Average_duration

:

3:14

"They are all gone into the world of light" is a choral work composed by John Tavener in 1997. The piece was premiered on 23rd November 1997 at the Royal Albert Hall in London, conducted by Stephen Layton. The work is divided into three movements and is scored for a mixed choir, with the addition of a solo soprano in the second movement. The first movement, "Invocation," begins with a solo soprano singing a simple melody, which is then taken up by the choir. The music is slow and meditative, with a sense of longing and yearning. The text is taken from a poem by Henry Vaughan, which speaks of the soul's desire to be reunited with God. The second movement, "The Fountain," is more lively and rhythmic. The choir sings a joyful melody, accompanied by a pulsing rhythm in the lower voices. The soprano soloist returns, singing a soaring melody that rises above the choir. The text is taken from a poem by William Blake, which speaks of the joy and freedom of the soul in the afterlife. The final movement, "The Glory of the World," is the most dramatic and powerful of the three. The choir sings a majestic melody, accompanied by crashing chords in the organ. The text is taken from a poem by Thomas Traherne, which speaks of the glory and majesty of God. The music builds to a climax, with the choir and organ reaching a thunderous crescendo. "They are all gone into the world of light" is a deeply spiritual work, reflecting Tavener's interest in Eastern Orthodox Christianity and his belief in the power of music to connect with the divine. The music is simple and direct, with a sense of purity and clarity that reflects the text. The work has become one of Tavener's most popular and frequently performed choral works, and is a testament to his unique and powerful musical voice.

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