Tavener

To the cathedral in the hopes of getting a ticket for The Beautiful Names the new work by Sir John Tavener. Security enormous and no returns at all. Chatted to a young Muslim also hoping for a ticket. There was a quiet protest by about 20 Catholics. Having read some of their blogs I was relieved that none of the nonsense about Prince Charles being a Muslim was on show. I returned home to listen to most of the work on Radio 3. It semed rather bitty with several endings. Very effective choral writing marred by wierd brass effects. Thunderous organ and timpani. It would repay another hearing I think. I have no problem at all with the names of Allah (God) being sung in the cathedral. Excellent TV series by Andrew Marr on modern history of Britain.
Yes Ed it is a bit bitty and the end is quiet after all that sound! I was clearly emant to be there to speak to the Muslim and say that not all Catholics are against Muslims!

Comments

Edward said…
Well, I just listened to it (it's 10:43 pm in California). What a strange mishmash, although with glorious moments. I'd like to hear it again soon, with the libretto (might make sense of all the stops and starts). The use of the space is probably a big part of the experience as well. The ending wasn't at all what I expected ...
20 June 2007 at 06:45
Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Vigil

 Saturday a memorable day. SM walk in Muswell Hill. To Parliament and met up with Kate, Lyn and Graham. So many people and buggies! The tourist trade has clearly revived. Glad I took my chair and the 2 hours went quickly. Ecological Stations and Rosary and Laudate Deum meditation. William Rhind and animators came. Sean and Ciaran came and Louise and Tom went to a party in Coulsdon. We went to Mass and I spoke to the lady from CAFOD. Petition nearly at 1000! Sunday Lent 1 Played Demessieux on Attende domine which Linda and I sang. Prelude and fughetta Franck. A mosy enjoyable family lunch at Westow House. Lamb and lemon posset. Had a sleep! Evensong Howells Like as the hart. Wierd hymn Christian dost thou see them to St Andrew of Crete by Dykes. Throwdown was good. Ben Fogle in the Congo. Antiques roadshow. Petition passed 1000!  Monday woke at 6 and 9.15. Chat to Ann. Swim and aerobics. Barbara's Mum had died last week - she is Jamaican. CMF zoom on the situation with Tim Live...
Read more

Optician

Image
 Monday swim and aerobics with the formidable Grace in bright red! To Crystal Palace optician and we are both having new glasses. Mine are 10 years old! Tea and cake. Tuesday swim and to Bromley cinema to see Message in a bottle amazing dance about refugees. Got a charger for my mobile. Enjoyed Santa's book - it made me cry! Golden wedding spreadsheet started. Exc talk by Fr Rob Esdaile on the white flag comment of Pope Francis. Sewing Bee was good.  Wed nice reply from Santa. Dm Brendan elected as abbot of Belmont. He will be good. To Our Lady's for annual Mass remembering deceased Norwood catenians. Fr Keith read the names at the start. Declan and I did the offertory - no prayers this time. Best turnout so far - Brendan, Mike, Tom, Declan, Mike Belfourd. Coffee in the hall. The new Polish priest has long silences after the consecrations. Prayer posture throughout the gospel?? To St Michael's for recital by Martin Noble from Chapel royal St James' palace. Very good. No...
Read more