Episode 3

Synopsis

Donald Macleod explores the importance of John Tavener's relationship with the Russian Orthodox nun, Mother Thekla.

Tavener had an extraordinary bond with his mother. When he married, Tavener couldn't bear to be parted from her and, not surprisingly, his marriage foundered. The death of his mother hit him very hard, but not long afterwards another woman was to take her place - a nun called Mother Thekla, with whom Tavener would have a close friendship and unique working relationship for many years.

With a work based on a translation by Mother Thekla of the remarkable writings of a priest, written shortly before his death in a prison camp in Siberia, as well as a complete performance of one of the most frequently performed contemporary works in recent years.

Akathist of Thanksgiving (excerpt)
James Bowman, Timothy Wilson (countertenor)
Martin Baker (organ)
Westminster Abbey Choir and BBC Singers
BBC Symphony Orchestra
Martin Neary (conductor)
Sony Classical SK64446 Tr 8

The Protecting Veil
Steven Isserlis (cello)
London Symphony Orchestra
Gennadi Rozhdestvensky (conductor)
EMI 2 37691-2 Trs 1-8

Tracklist

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

1. --:--

   John Tavener — Akathist of Thanksgiving (excerpt)

   Performer: James Bowman,
   Performer: Timothy Wilson (countertenor)
   Performer: Martin Baker (organ)
   Performer: Westminster Abbey Choir and BBC Singers
   Performer: BBC Symphony Orchestra
   Performer: Martin Neary (conductor)

   Sony Classical, SK64446, Tr 8
2. --:--

   John Tavener — The Protecting Veil

   Performer: Steven Isserlis (cello)
   Performer: London Symphony Orchestra
   Performer: Gennadi Rozhdestvensky (conductor)

   EMI, 2 37691-2, Trs 1-8

Broadcasts

1. Wed 23 Sep 2009
   12:00
   BBC Radio 3
2. Wed 23 Sep 2009
   22:00
   BBC Radio 3