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To the satisfaction of some observers and the astonishment of others, John Tavener has become one of the most popular and successful classical composers alive today. The marvelously simple and consoling "Song for Athene," which was sung at the funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales (and which nearly stole the show from "Candle in the Wind"), isn't the only instance. Tavener's 1987 cello concerto The Protecting Veil, for example, drew more large-scale audience interest and genuine excitement, especially in Britain, than had any new cello concerto for decades; the composer's a cappella choral works are sung in church services and concert halls all over the world. Many concertgoers and record buyers seem attracted to and even grateful for the simplicity and spirituality of much of Tavener's music. Others--and not only professional critics--find some characteristics of his music, and his persona, off-putting and even stupefying. Much of Tavener's writing is deliberately repetitive: "I hate progress, I hate development, and I hate evolution in most things; but in music particularly," he says. His public utterances are often unnecessarily inflammatory (such as suggesting that all opera houses and concert halls should be destroyed and that Western culture is dead and rotting). His spirituality and belief in Eastern Orthodoxy often appear ostentatious. (How many times has the man posed for photographs surrounded by ikons and candles?)

The Music of Silence: A Composer's Testament has been assembled and edited by Brian Keeble from extensive interviews with Tavener at his Greek-island home. The second half of the book, which is largely in interview format, should be quite valuable for those who are moved by his music or just want to understand what the composer is up to. Tavener's explanations of his concept of his music as "ikons in sound," the crucial differences he sees between the Christianity of the Orthodox East and the Latin West, and his goals in writing particular works such as Mary of Egypt and Fall and Resurrection are enlightening and often fascinating.

But the first half of the book is insufferable. "In Retrospect" purports to review Tavener's life and compositional career more or less chronologically. Not only are both the prose and the material disjointed, rambling, and repetitive (for which Keeble shares blame) but overbearing self-regard and spiritual pretentiousness seem to ooze from every page like "liquid metaphysics" (a term Tavener uses to describe his music). It is, frankly, off-putting and stupefying. This reader alternated between bemused annoyance and an intense desire to see the composer parodied by a comic actor (as when he writes, "I had a vision in the bath one day").

One can't help wishing the composer would emulate his spiritual adviser and sometime librettist, the down-to-earth, no-nonsense Mother Thekla. He quotes her instructing him on how to approach Akathist of Thanksgiving: "Just get on with it, dear." May John Tavener take that advice well and truly to heart. --Matthew Westphal Book Description

Customer Reviews (2)

straightforward insights intothe composer's intent
I found this collection of interviews with the composer John Tavener and the editor, Brian Keeble, to be quite interesting and often amusing. Mr. Taverner is not shy in expressing his great distaste for other "modern" composers who came before him(particularly Olivier Messaien.) The book is helpful for the perspective it gives the reader in understanding the process of composing music. Moreover, it shows us that for Tavener, music is not just for listening, it is a way of serving God. His devotion to the Orthodox Church has served to bring its centuries-old musical/vocal tradition to a broader audience, including those of us who are not familiar with the tenets of that Church. His music is not just for Christians or Orthodox believers; it is a music for people of all beliefs. The solemnity and emotion of the human spirit come through in every one of his works.

John Tavener- in his own words at last
John Tavener has certainly been one of the greatest inspirations in my life, and in this book it is finally possible to glimpse into the inner workings of his mind. His narrative reveals much of his personality, whichis something completely apart from the public "image" that hasoften been thrust upon him. What is so striking is his honesty; although,like his beloved Stravinsky, he sometimes contradicts himself withoutknowing it, Tavener takes the plunge that is always difficult forautobiographers: he admits to a discomfort with his past and is willing toaccount for some embarrassing mistakes in his musical career. It does chafejust a little that he keeps referring to "Fall and Resurrection"(which he had just completed at the time of writing), but thatnotwithstanding, he engages the reader with his tales, opinions andfeelings as much as he engages the faithful listener with his compositions.(And on a personal note, having met him and sung his music to him, I findit very hard not to hear his voice as I read the words...)

The book alsocontains several interview sections conducted by the editor Brian Keeble.These, it is explained in the preface, are recordings of spontaneousdiscussion as opposed to carefully planned dialogue, and to encounterTavener in conversation is nearly as fascinating as reading his own prose.At long last, we can see what makes him tick, how he feels about his lifeand work, and what his hopes for the future are.

Even if you already havethe Geoffrey Haydon book "Glimpses of Paradise," you shouldconsider getting this- it sheds new light on the story of a truly uniquecomposer and does indeed offer a message of hope for the next millennium. Outstanding! ... Read more

Book Description

Book Description
This digital document is an article from Notes, published by Thomson Gale on September 1, 2006. The length of the article is 601 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Sir John Tavener.(Sir John Tavener: Fall and Resurrection)(Video recording review)
Author: Steve York
Publication: Notes (Magazine/Journal)
Date: September 1, 2006
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Volume: 63Issue: 1Page: 178(2)

Article Type: Video recording review

Distributed by Thomson Gale ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

a look at the man behind the music
"Glimpses of Paradise" is an honest look at the man John Tavener and his music.The book seems well researched and everyone in the "Tavener sphere" seems to have welcomed the author in with open arms to help complete this book.He conducted well over 50 interviews with people from countless countries for the book as well as plundering the archives of Tavener's publisher's etc.There is a good bit of time spent on Tavener's years as a young prodigy that give insight into his creative influences.It shows John as an emerging talent given over to the jet-set lifestyle of hanging out with The Beatles, etc.Also covered are John's rocky early relationships (and marriage.)The author doesn't attempt to gloss over Tavener's relationship issues but presents an honest, but sympathetic picture.Of course, much attention is given to John's conversion to Eastern Orthodoxy and his musical and spiritual relationship with Mother Thekla (an Abbess of an Orthodox monastey.)Of course, much attention is paid to the music, critical reviews of his music, world premieres, etc.There is also a catalogue of works and a selected discography.

For the most part, this is a fascinating book (some of the stuff from his schooling period isn't that riveting.)

I would definately recommend this though.Its a great work about a great composer.

an engrossing look at Tavener's life and work
Geoffrey Haydon's biography of John Tavener is certainly without equal. It is by far the most thoroughly-researched study of Tavener's life and music. Not only does Haydon write of Tavener's music, he shows us the importance of Tavener's family and how their support of his musical genius has helped him become one of the 20th century's greatest musical figures. Also, the patronage of Lady Birley, a woman of wealth and culture, contributed so much to Tavener's ability to live through his art and bring it to so many people. My only small complaint would be that the record companies have not recorded more of his music as is listed in the exhaustive appendix detailing the dozens of choral and orchestral pieces composed since the 1960s. Hopefully, with time we will see a comprehensive collection released on CD.

Because this book was published about 1994-5, discussion of Tavener's recent projects in the past 5 years is absent. Notably, his work with the Academy of Ancient Music, with whom he recorded a selection of choral music, which includes FUNERAL CANTICLE, SAPPHO:LYRIC FRAGMENTS and ETERNITY'S SUNRISE. This CD and TEARS OF THE ANGELS on Linn Records are two great surprises awaiting the listener new to his music.

If you want to read an inspiring story of a man and his art, do not hesitate to pick up a copy of this book. You won't be disappointed!

The truth behind the talent is revealed
Geoffrey Haydon's scholarly and well-presented biography delves deep into the life and work of John Tavener- deeper perhaps than any book or documentary or article since. It discusses his beginnings, his firstcompositions for Kensington Church Choir, his studies with Lennox Berkeleyand David Lumsdaine, the success of his collaboration with the Beatlesnestling alongside a number of failures. All the while, his growingspiritual dimension, his shifts in perception, and the various events inhis personal life are highlighted by Haydon's telling style.

What emergesis an honest and understanding portrait of a unique and distinctivecomposer, portraying him in a favourable light (although at times when itis not perhaps completely deserved). For those studying the music of JohnTavener, the commentaries on many works will prove invaluable; for thosewho like the music and want to discover the person, there is definitelysomething as well, although the composer's own autobiography (due out inApril in the USA) will shed even more light on his nature as a person. Theonly dislike I have about this book is an inevitable one- since it waswritten around 1994, it only covers music and biographical features as faras then, so you will not learn for instance about his second daughter, hisdiscovery of the Academy of Ancient Music, or about any compositions laterthan "The Apocalypse," although the reprint of 1998 includes alist of works as far as 1998, vexingly enough.

Nonetheless, awell-organised, well-written, engrossing and worthwhile book. ... Read more

Book Description
For the first time, this special edition combines excerpts from John J. Audubon's vivid and witty descriptions with 97 full-color plates of the birds of the Northeast, creating a guide that Audubon might have published himself.In his own distinctive voice, Audubon casts light on his inspiration, exuberance, and deep love for birds and nature.Audubon's observations take us into the field with him and "see" the birds as he did.

In this first in a series of regional guides, editor Julien Tavener takes Audubon out of the confinement of museums and galleries, and places him back in the fields and forests he loved.

Perfect for any Audubon enthusiast or birder, this personal field guide portrays a unique insight into what Audubon saw, both through his art and his eloquent writings. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

A new look at Audubon and his birds
I love this book, and anyone interested in birds, history, and/or art is bound to love it, too.

John J. Audubon's Guide; Birds of the Northeast pairs a selection of the familiar, classic Audubon images with his descriptions of the birds as he observed them in the early 19th century. Audubon's writing style is poetic and vivid, and if you are familiar mainly with his images, this book is a very accessible way to introduce yourself to his writing.

Ron Tyler's essay on Audubon's work makes for enjoyable reading, too. And, finally, the book is handsomely designed and handily sized.

Great Idea - Nicely Executed
This is the first in a series of four books, delineated by region, that will present the text and octavo images of Audubon's birds.The 34-page introductory biography by Dr. Ron Tyler is worth the purchase price by itself. Even advanced birdwatchers will learn something from Audubon's descriptions that have been expertly edited by Julien Taverner. I have been researching and writing about Audubon for fifteen years and even I found some new references in the excellent and exhaustive biography.If he were alive today, this is the way Audubon would have done it. Great gift idea for birders, print collectors, and history buffs.

In his own words
This book is a real addition to any birder's library. Combining John Audubon's well known and beautiful images of birds drawn in the 1830's with his lovely descriptions. The book has a good biography of Audubon as well as the pictures and Audubon's notes. You can really hear Audubon's love of birds and nature in his writing. I liked the fact that it was styled like a
guide from the 19th century. It is beautifully illustrated. ... Read more

Book Description
At a time when environmental concerns are increasing, it's important that chemical processes are as environmentally friendly as possible. This book outlines various methods for producing inorganic and organic solvents without the use of traditional solvents that can have detrimental effects on the environment.

• This is the first book to give extensive and exclusive coverage to the topic
• Includes important environmental issues

This book will appeal to anyone with an interest in organic synthesis; reaction chemistry; catalysis; and process development, and to undergraduate and graduate students of organic chemistry; catalysis; green chemistry; clean technology and environmental chemistry courses. ... Read more