Shûnya features two choirs, one mixed and one of bass voices, accompanied by the resonant booming of a Tibetan temple bowl.
Composer's Artistic Vision
John Tavener's music consistently explores themes of eternity and the sacred, often surprising listeners with his varied approaches.
Compositional Technique
In Schuon Hymnen, Tavener reinforces the 'sacral erotic nature' of Frithjof Schuon's words by adding phrases from the Song of Songs and an Arabic salutation.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Although Butterfly Dreams might seem secular, composer John Tavener considered it sacred, viewing butterflies as symbols and vehicles for the sacred.
Performer Biography
Polyphony, the choir on this recording, was formed by Stephen Layton in 1986 and has since performed and recorded internationally to critical acclaim.
Compositional Technique
Tavener's piece, The Second Coming, uses a semitone clash (C-D flat) on the organ pedals to symbolize the instability of a world turning its back on God.
Compositional Technique
Shûnya, a piece by Tavener, uses three Sanskrit words meaning 'void' and 'Hail, Infinite Light' in a majestically static way, deliberately recalling Buddhist ritual.
