Episode 1

Synopsis

Donald Macleod explores the life and music of maverick composer John Tavener. His name is linked in many people's minds with the funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales, where his Song for Athene was heard by millions around the world. Over the years, he has been associated with figures as diverse as the Beatles, Steven Isserlis, Bjork and a Russian Orthodox nun.

The programme focuses on Tavener's first major success, helped by an encounter with John Lennon, two works which brought him increased recognition and a requiem dedicated to a Carmelite priest.

New Beginning (excerpt)
(BBC recording)

Song for Athene
The Holst Singers
Stephen Layton (director)
Decca 4750962 Tr 1

The Whale (Part 2)
Anna Reynolds (mezzo-soprano)
Raimund Herincx (baritone)
Alvar Lidell (Speaker)
John Tavener (organ and Hammond organ)
London Sinfonietta
London Sinfonietta Chorus
David Atherton (conductor)
Apple CDSAPCOR15

In Alium (Section 1)
Eileen Hulse (soprano)
Ulster Orchestra
Takuo Yuasa (conductor)
Naxos 8.554388 Tr 8

Ultimos Ritos (1st mvt)
Patricia Rozario (soprano)
BBC Singers
BBC Symphony Orchestra
Richard Hickox (conductor)
(BBC recording)

Little Requiem for Malachy Lynch
Westminster Abbey Choir
English Chamber Orchestra
Martin Neary (conductor)
Sony Classical SK66613 Tr 7.

Tracklist

Timings are shown from the start of the programme in hours and minutes.

1. --:--

   John Tavener — New Beginning (excerpt)

   (BBC recording)
2. --:--

   John Tavener — Song for Athene

   Performer: The Holst Singers
   Performer: Stephen Layton (director)

   Decca 4750962, Tr 1
3. --:--

   John Tavener — The Whale (Part 2)

   Performer: Anna Reynolds (mezzo-soprano)
   Performer: Raimund Herincx (baritone)
   Performer: Alvar Lidell (Speaker)
   Performer: John Tavener (organ and Hammond organ)
   Performer: London Sinfonietta
   Performer: London Sinfonietta Chorus
   Performer: David Atherton (conductor)

   Apple CDSAPCOR15
4. --:--

   John Tavener — In Alium (Section 1)

   Performer: Eileen Hulse (soprano)
   Performer: Ulster Orchestra
   Performer: Takuo Yuasa (conductor)

   Naxos 8.554388, Tr 8
5. --:--

   John Tavener — Ultimos Ritos (1st mvt)

   Performer: Patricia Rozario (soprano)
   Performer: BBC Singers
   Performer: BBC Symphony Orchestra
   Performer: Richard Hickox (conductor)

   (BBC recording)
6. --:--

   John Tavener — Little Requiem for Malachy Lynch

   Performer: Westminster Abbey Choir
   Performer: English Chamber Orchestra
   Performer: Martin Neary (conductor)

   Sony Classical SK66613, Tr 7.

Broadcasts

1. Mon 21 Sep 2009
   12:00
   BBC Radio 3
2. Mon 21 Sep 2009
   22:00
   BBC Radio 3