Composer

:

John Tavener

Genre

:

Concerto

Style

:

Concerto

Compose Date

:

2004

Average_duration

:

4:30

"Fragment for the Virgin" is a choral work composed by John Tavener in 1984. The piece was premiered on December 8, 1984, at St. Mary's Church in Putney, London, by the choir of St. Mary's Church, conducted by the composer himself. The work is a setting of a text by the 14th-century English mystic Julian of Norwich, who wrote about her visions of the Virgin Mary. The text is a fragment of a longer work, and Tavener's setting focuses on the central image of the Virgin as a "mother of mercy." The piece is divided into three movements, each of which explores a different aspect of the text. The first movement is a gentle, flowing setting of the opening lines, which describe the Virgin as a "mother of mercy" who brings comfort to those who are suffering. The second movement is more intense, with the choir singing in a more declamatory style as they describe the Virgin's role as a mediator between God and humanity. The final movement returns to the gentle, flowing style of the opening, as the choir sings of the Virgin's love and compassion. Tavener's setting of the text is characterized by its simplicity and directness. The music is largely homophonic, with the choir singing in unison or in simple harmonies. The vocal lines are often repetitive, with the same phrases repeated several times, creating a sense of meditative contemplation. The harmonies are largely tonal, with occasional dissonances used for expressive effect. Overall, "Fragment for the Virgin" is a beautiful and moving work that captures the essence of Julian of Norwich's mystical vision. Tavener's simple, direct style allows the text to shine through, creating a powerful emotional impact on the listener.

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