John Tavener: The Peace That Surpasseth Understanding

This anthem, The Peace That Surpasseth Understanding , by John Tavener, was commissioned jointly by the Dean and Chapter of Westminster and the Ministry of Defence. It was first performed at a Service in Honour of the Passing of the World War One Generation, in Westminster Abbey on Wednesday 11th November 2009, in the presence of Her Majesty The Queen and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh, by the Choir of Westminster Abbey conducted by James O闂備胶鍋ㄩ崕鐬nell. COMPOSER闂備胶鍋ㄩ崕鏌ュ煘 NOTE In this setting of Saint Paul闂備胶鍋ㄩ崕鏌ユ偘 great statement, I have tried in a simple and primordial manner to suggest majesty, solemnity and a radiance of peace and bliss. I have also given the music a ceremonial nature by inserting 闂備胶鍋ㄩ崕鏌ュΧlelouias闂 sounding from 闂備胶鍋ㄩ崕鏌ュΧ閻炵帨ven闂 (semi-chorus), gradually rising in pitch until they are answered by 闂備胶鍋ㄩ崕鏌ュΧlelouias闂 from 闂備胶鍋ㄩ崕鏌ュΧ缁跺儱 World闂 (main choir). The music forms a gradual crescendo reflecting the meaning of the words. At the musical and spiritual climax, the full organ sounds four chords which represent The Four Angels before the Throne of God. The final chord then transforms into the sacred monosyllable OM, which hums around the building, representing the Peace and Beatitude of God闂備胶鍋ㄩ崕鏌ユ偘 Presence. Duration: c. 4 minutes John Tavener - The Peace That Surpasseth Understanding by musicroom