Christopher Bowers-broadbent - Ikons: Choral Music of John Tavener (2019)

Recorded as part of Ikons, the BBC Radio 3 John Tavener Festival, this disc represents the essential Tavener choral works, featuring two world première recordings, and Song for Athene, performed at the funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales.

"The fourth-century poet, St. Ephraim, was the inspiration behind Thunder Entered Her. The Responsorium, Song for Athene, Eonia, and the Two Hymns to the Mother of God were all responses to the sudden deaths of people close to me, the music on each occasion being written very quickly, as if parting gifts from those who had died. The Lamb was inspired by the third birthday of my nephew Simon and The Tyger for the 65th birthday of Dr. Philip Sherrard. I am delighted that the BBC Singers have chosen such a varied selection of my choral music for this disc".

John Tavener