Sir John Tavener’s Lament for Jerusalem, described by the composer as a mystical love song, brings together Christian, Judaic, and Islamic texts. Sung in Greek and English, it is both a cri de cœur at the loss of peace in a place where religions once co-existed in harmony, and an affirmation of the power of love to bring together all “who seek God, from whatever tradition they come”. Lament for Jerusalem is heard in this recording in the composer’s specially re-worked version for the Choir of London’s groundbreaking visit to Jerusalem, Ramallah, and Bethlehem in December 2004.
Tracklist
Artist details
Tavener, John
Lament for Jerusalem
1 I. Cycle I: Stanza I - By the waters of Babylon (Chorus) 02:01
2 II. Cycle I: Cosmic Lament I - Listen to the reed-flute (Countertenor, Soprano, Chorus) 04:09
3 III. Cycle II: Stanza II - For there, they that had taken us captive (Chorus) 01:31
4 IV. Cycle II: Cosmic Lament II - 'Tis the fire of love (Countertenor, Soprano, Chorus) 05:29
5 V. Cycle III: Stanza III - How shall we sing the Lord’s song in a strange land? (Chorus) 01:21
6 VI. Cycle III: Cosmic Lament III - Hail to thee Divine love! (Countertenor, Soprano, Chorus) 05:47
7 VII. Cycle IV: Stanza IV - Let my tongue cleave to my throat (Chorus) 01:35
8 VIII. Cycle IV: Cosmic Lament IV - If my Beloved touched me with His lips (Countertenor, Soprano, Chorus) 06:18
9 IX. Cycle V: Stanza V - Remember, O Lord, the sons of Edom (Chorus) 01:35
10 X. Cycle V: Cosmic Lament V - The beloved is all (Countertenor, Soprano, Chorus) 06:29
11 XI. Cycle VI: Stanza VI - O daughter of Babylon (Chorus) 02:04
12 XII. Cycle VI: Cosmic Lament VI - Love desires this secret should be revealed (Countertenor, Soprano) 07:19
13 XIII. Cycle VII: Stanza VII - Since thou receivest the supplications of sinners (Chorus) 01:41
14 XIV. Cycle VII: Cosmic Lament VII - Dost thou know why the mirror does not reflect (Countertenor, Soprano, Chorus) 07:15
Total Playing Time: 54:34
