Composers

John Tavener

Born: 1944
Died: 2013
The World is Burning (1993)
commissioned by the Monteverdi Choir for its 30th anniversary
Publisher
Chester Music Ltd
Category
Chorus a cappella / Chorus plus 1 instrument
Year Composed
1993
Duration
20 Minutes
Chorus
10S6A6T6B
Solo Instrument(s)
Solo voices from the choir
Orchestration
tamtam
Availability


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Full Score:  14032828 Full Score:  CH60990

Programme Note
John Tavener The World is Burning (1993)
Like a relentless Greek tragedy the world (main choir) makes its cosmic lamentation ‘the world is burning’, without any apparent sense of the transcendent presence.

Interspersed are prayers and reproaches crying out to God for help (solo group: counter tenor, tenor and bass). But, salvation is come. And though the world is crying for help, the world is already saved. Its “faith” (the voice of Christ), however miserably poor, has saved it. So, in a way – all is separate (salvation – damnation- agony). And all is one inside the Saviour.

In the final bars, it seems as if the message of Christ has finally permeated. ‘The world is burning’ is no longer a relentless Greek tragedy. The Transfiguration has happened, however briefly.

‘Today shalt thou be with me in Paradise’ (St Luke 23, 43).

John Tavener
1993

Discography - World is Burning
  • Ensemble
    Monteverdi Choir
    Conductor
    Sir John Eliot Gardiner
    Phillips:
    446 116-2PH
See full list
Performances
Date
Title
  • 24 NOV 2012
    St Saviour's Church, St Albans
    St Albans Chamber Choir
  • 13 OCT 2004
    The Myrrh-Bearer Country Premiere
    The World is Burning Country Premiere
    St Patrick's Cathedral, Melbourne
    Melbourne Chorale Ensemble
    Brett Dean viola

    Other Dates:
    20 October - St Patrick's Cathedral, Melbourne




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