Death and the Maiden

Featuring

12 Ensemble
John Tavener
Franz Schubert
Oliver Christophe Leith
Jón Þór Birgisson

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Performer Biography

The 12 ensemble, a pioneering un-conducted string orchestra, was formed in 2012 by Artistic Directors Eloisa-Fleur Thom and Max Ruisi.

Composition History

Gustav Mahler's string orchestral arrangement of Schubert's 'Death and the Maiden' was never completed by him; he left only sketches and notes that were realized by scholars after his death.

Interpretation

The 12 ensemble's arrangement of Schubert's 'Death and the Maiden' aims to honor Schubert's original intentions by retaining his dynamics and creating a sensitive double-bass part.

Composition History

Oliver Leith wrote 'Honey Siren' specifically for the 12 ensemble in 2019, inspired by the sound of wailing sirens and their "beautiful, huge oblong sweeping glissandi."

Recording & Production

The string arrangement of 'Fljótavík' by the Icelandic band Sigur Rós was created by ensemble member Guy Button after the 12 ensemble's artistic residency in Iceland.

Interpretation

The 12 ensemble chose to create their own arrangement of Schubert's 'Death and the Maiden' quartet, rather than using Gustav Mahler's well-known string orchestral arrangement.

Composer Biography

John Tavener, the composer of 'The Lamb', created a string arrangement of his popular choral work himself, which is less known than the original setting of William Blake's poem.