The original DVD recording that accompanied this album included a virtually created Hagia Sophia, a building that reflects the beauty of Mary from both Christian and Islamic perspectives.
Composer's Artistic Vision
The composer, Sir John Tavener, views music as "a window of sound" onto the Divine World, aiming to transmit an inner vision.
Performer Biography
James Whitbourn, the conductor, is a British composer and producer who studied at Magdalen College, Oxford, and worked for the BBC, with a special affinity for choral writing.
Performer Biography
The Choir is a London-based vocal ensemble formed in 1999, specializing in television and other audio-visual recordings, with members from London music colleges and Oxford and Cambridge chapel choirs.
Recording & Production
This album was recorded by Opus Arte at TV Support Studios, Hilversum, The Netherlands, and St Albans Abbey, UK, between July 25-29, 2000.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Sir John Tavener believes his music emanates from Divine Beings, such as Christ or the Mother of God, rather than from his own 'cleverness'.
Historical Context
The booklet discusses icons, which are universal and have been accepted as the Image of God by millions of believers for over 1,500 years.
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