Composer

:

John Tavener

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Carol

Compose Date

:

1989

Average_duration

:

2:45

"Today the Virgin" is a choral work composed by John Tavener in 1989. It was premiered on December 16, 1989, by the Choir of Winchester Cathedral, conducted by David Hill. The piece is written for unaccompanied choir and is based on a text from the Orthodox liturgy for the Feast of the Annunciation. The work is divided into three movements. The first movement, "Today the Virgin," is a setting of the opening words of the Orthodox liturgy for the Feast of the Annunciation. The choir sings in unison, creating a sense of unity and simplicity. The second movement, "Gabriel's Message," is a setting of the traditional English carol of the same name. The choir sings in four-part harmony, with the melody passed between the different sections of the choir. The third movement, "A Hymn to the Mother of God," is a setting of a text by the Russian Orthodox monk, St. Nektarios of Aegina. The choir sings in eight-part harmony, creating a rich and complex sound. The characteristics of "Today the Virgin" are typical of Tavener's style. The piece is deeply spiritual and reflects Tavener's interest in Eastern Orthodox Christianity. The use of unison singing in the first movement creates a sense of simplicity and purity, while the complex harmonies in the third movement reflect the richness and complexity of the Orthodox liturgy. The piece also features Tavener's characteristic use of silence and stillness, with moments of silence between the movements and within the music itself. Overall, "Today the Virgin" is a beautiful and moving choral work that reflects Tavener's deep spirituality and his interest in Eastern Orthodox Christianity. Its simple yet complex harmonies and use of silence and stillness make it a powerful and meditative piece of music.

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