Tavener, J.: Ex Maria Virgine (Clare College Choir)

Featuring

Timothy (Tim) Brown
James McVinnie
Stefan Berkieta
Simon Thomas Jacobs
Choir of Clare College Cambridge
John Tavener

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Composition History

The work 'Ex Maria Virgine' was a wedding present and dedicated to HRH the Prince of Wales and HRH the Duchess of Cornwall.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Since 2001, John Tavener has embraced a Universalist view, influenced by poet, philosopher, and mystic Frithjof Schuon, seeing all religions as equally valid.

Composer Biography

John Tavener, the composer, studied at the Royal Academy of Music and was encouraged by Australian-born composer David Lumsdaine.

Recording & Production

This album features the world premiere recording of 'Ex Maria Virgine', 'Marienhymne', and 'Angels'.

Composer Biography

In 1977, John Tavener converted from his Presbyterian background to the Russian Orthodox Church, which influenced his music to become more meditative and mystical.

Performer Biography

James McVinnie, the organist on this recording, is the Assistant Organist of Westminster Abbey and has held Organ Scholarships at St Albans Cathedral, Clare College, Cambridge, and St Paul's Cathedral.

Compositional Technique

In 'Ex Maria Virgine', John Tavener links familiar and less well-known texts with an 'expanding and contracting phrase' of the title, referring to Mary the Mother of God.