Song for Athene

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First line:

Alleluia

composer

Sir John Tavener (1944-2013)

1993

author of text

William Shakespeare (1564-1616)

Hamlet

author of text

Anonymous - liturgical

Orthodox Funeral Service

Introduction
English

John Tavener (born 1944) composed Song for Athene in 1993 to commemorate the tragic death of actress Athene Hariades. The opening ‘Alleluia’ reflects Tavener’s devotion to the Eastern Orthodox faith and his fascination with its musical traditions while the quotation from the final scene of Hamlet, ‘flights of angels sing thee to thy rest’, brings Hariades’ profession to the foreground. The combined effect is of extreme simplicity and emotional purity. The work now serves as a duplex memorial having been performed as the recessional Hymn at the funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales in 1997.

Recordings

Allegri: Miserere

Tenebrae, Nigel Short (conductor)

Studio Master: SIGCD085Download onlyStudio Master FLAC & ALAC downloads available

Allegri's haunting Miserere is the central point in a journey through music of longing and entreaty, hope and faith. These works spanning the centuries are chosen from the heart of Tenebrae's concert repertoire. The present album contains works by ...» More

Naked Byrd, Vol. 1

Armonico Consort, Christopher Monks (conductor)

SIGCD180Download only

Crossing several centuries, from the sixteenth to the present day this album displays how every generation has been inspired to use both sacred and secular music as a powerful medium to express their personal emotions.» More

Tavener: Angels & other choral works

Winchester Cathedral Choir, Andrew Lumsden (conductor)

Studio Master: CDA68255Studio Master FLAC & ALAC downloads available

‘Song for Athene’ and ‘The Lamb’ are two of the highlights in this collection of some of Tavener’s most enduring choral music.» More

Tavener: Missa Wellensis & other sacred music

Wells Cathedral Choir, Matthew Owens (conductor)

Studio Master: SIGCD442Download onlyStudio Master FLAC & ALAC downloads available

Wells Cathedral Choir celebrates the life and works of the late British composer Sir John Tavener. The programme is centred around his 'Missa Wellensis' and includes several premiere recordings of works commissioned especially for the choir.» More

This is the day

The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter (conductor)

COLCD136Download only

This album recollects and celebrates some of the choral music heard on royal occasions during the lifetime of HM Elizabeth II. The music chosen reflects the personal choices and commissions by the Royal Family for weddings, funerals, and anniversa ...» More