“Sir John Tavener, an erstwhile student at the royal Academy of Music, is one of contemporary music’s most distinctive and recognisable voices, writing deeply-felt compositions of instant magnetism and lyrical intensityinspired by a srong GreekOrthodox faith. A prolific composer of religious music, he hás a catalogue of Works including three Requiems and hás developed a very personal style that embraces his own concept of ‘melodic minimalism’ The composer’s profile rocketed when his sacred choral work, Song for Athene, was sung at the funeral ceremony of Princess Diana. The Lamb, one of his settings of poetry by Wiliam Blake, is one of his better-known Works. It might almost be described as a (secred) lullaby; written in one afternoon, it is dedicated to Tavener’s three-year-old nephew. Its deceptively simple melody drifts over waves of austere but exquisite harmonies, creating na ethereal soundworld that is unique to Tavener.”
The Lamb – John Tavener (Words by William Blake)u>
Little Lamb, who made thee?
Dost thou know who made thee?
Gave thee life, and bid thee feed
By the stream and o’er the mead;
Gave thee clothing of delight,
Softest clothing, woolly, bright;
Gave thee such a tender voice,
Making all the vales rejoice?
Little Lamb, who made thee?
Dost thou know who made thee?
Little Lamb, I’ll tell thee;
Little Lamb, I’ll tell thee:
He is called by thy name,
For he calls himself a Lamb.
He is meek, and he is mild;
He became a little child.
I, a child, and thou a lamb,
We are called by his name.
Little Lamb, God bless thee!
Little Lamb, God bless thee!