Search - John Tavener, Christopher Robinson :: Tavener: Song for Athene / Svyati

Top-rate singing at a wonderful price

Gracejoy | New York, NY United States | 01/27/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"For all the minor "complaints" one could have about this recording, it is still a wonderful, recent recording of beautiful music from one of England's finest traditional choirs. For such a cheap price, it is WELL worth the money! Tavener's music is perhaps an acquired taste. If modern, "hypnotic" sacred choral music appeals to you, then you would certainly do well to buy this recording, which includes some of Tavener's best works. I personally enjoy the Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis best. Everything on here is very well sung -- sometimes truly beautifully so -- by the men and boys of St. John's College Choir. If you like Tavener, this CD is certainly worthy of your collection. If you are not familiar with Tavener's music, then this is the CD to buy to discover it -- the quality of singing is first-class and the price can't be beaten!"

Just wanted to add...

Anne L. Duke | Las Vegas, NV USA | 08/16/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I agree with the previous analysis of this recording, but I must point out that on Taverner's own recording of some of these works (entitled "Innocence", it includes the Lamb, the Tyger, Song for Athene) the sound quality is MUCH worse. Some tracks buzz, some seem to have been recorded in a giant washing machine. Buy this one -- plus it's ten bucks cheaper!"

A great exposure to tavener's work

vic spicer | 04/14/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"i've read that some of tavener's recent compositions have ranged from pretentious to excruciating, but the selections on this naxos issue are very approachable and performed with a great deal of reverence.the longest piece, "svyati", is also the most haunting. a combination of mournful solo cello and simple choral underlay is wonderful.my main complaint is that in places it sounds... mushy. it possibly has to do with the acoustics of the venue, but on passages like "the tiger" the vocal layers end up smearing each other.comparing it to the clean sound of "psalms for the soul" (naxos 8.554823) only adds to the frustration. still, a good cheap way to get some excellent late 20th century choral music and a must for tavener fans."