Work Information
John Tavener : The Peace that Surpasseth Understanding
| Publisher |
Chester Music Ltd |
Category |
Chorus a cappella / Chorus plus 1 instrument |
| Year Composed |
2007 |
Duration |
4 Minutes |
| Chorus |
SATB chorus, SATB semichorus |
Orchestration |
organ |
| Languages |
English |
Availability |
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| Discography |
Here... |
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| Vocal Score(s): |
CH75977 |
Vocal Score(s): |
Not available |
Programme Note
This anthem was commissioned jointly by the Dean and Chapter of Westminster and the
Ministry of Defence, and first performed at a Service in Honour of the Passing of the World War One Generation in Westminster Abbey on Wednesday 11th November 2009, in the presence of Her Majesty The Queen and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh, by the Choir of Westminster Abbey conducted by James O’Donnell.
In this setting of Saint Paul’s great statement, I have tried in a simple and primordial manner to suggest majesty, solemnity and a radiance of peace and bliss. I have also given the music a ceremonial nature by inserting ‘Allelouias’ sounding from ‘Heaven’ (semi-chorus), gradually rising in pitch, until they are answered by ‘Allelouias’ from ‘The World’ (main choir). The music forms a gradual crescendo reflecting the meaning of the words.
At the musical and spiritual climax, the full organ sounds four chords which represent The Four Angels before the Throne of God. The final chord then transforms into the sacred monosyllable OM, which hums around the building, representing the Peace and Beatitude of God’s Presence.
J.T.
Reviews
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Tavener’s The peace that surpasseth understanding was commissioned jointly by the Dean and Chapter of Westminster and the Ministery of Defence and was first performed by the Abbey Choir at a service in honour of the passion of the World War One generation in November 2009. in the composer’s own words, he has “tried in a simple and primordial manner to suggest majesty, solemnity and a radiance of peace and bliss” and has attempted to give the music “a ceremonial nature by inserting ‘Allelouias’ sounding from ‘heaven’ (semi-chorus), gradually rising in pitch until the are answered by ‘Allelouias’ from ‘The World’ (main choir). The music forms a gradual crescendo reflecting the meaning of the words”. Though relatively brief, the piece is dramatically striking and the music well carries the weight of St Paul’s great statement in a style that is discernable Tavener’s.
David Newsholme, Organists' Review, 01/03/2012
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