This could be called Tavener’s Creation, an oratorio-like account of the Biblical tale beginning with a representation of primordial Chaos. It takes the story much further than Haydn, through Adam’s fall to the Incarnation, ending in a ‘Cosmic Dance of the Resurrection’. But, like Haydn’s, this too is a warmly mature work, epitomising its composer’s style and personality.
The premiere at St Paul’s last January, recorded here, was broadcast on TV and radio and released on CD by Chandos soon after. Michael Stewart (5/00) called it ‘a wonderful document of an extraordinary evening of music’, and there is little cause to disagree. Tavener’s richly exotic textures, all founded on variations of an austere Byzantine chant and leavened with arcane instruments such as the shofar, or ram’s horn, Tibetan temple bowls and Arabic kaval flutes, are beautifully evoked by Hickox and his forces, especially the vocal soloists.
The main question, therefore, is whether DVD adds anything; and I believe it does. Visually, St Paul’s, with its muted Byzantine influences, makes a splendid backdrop for this piece, which is infused with dramatic instrumental conflicts and clashes. Director David Kremer exploits the cathedral’s spectacular aspects and perspectives, with discreet chiaroscuro lighting to underline these, and the Dolby 5.1 surround soundtrack accordingly strengthens the sense of spaciousness without seeming unduly unnatural. Even if you videoed the broadcast, this is far superior. And the disc includes brief but useful introductions from Stephanie Hughes and Sir John himself, plus a half-hour interview – more of a personal statement, really. If you like Tavener, you need not hesitate.'