Tavener: No longer mourn for me & other works for cello

Cellist Steven Isserlis takes centre stage in this heartfelt tribute to the composer John Tavener.

Under the baton of Omer Meir Wellber, we perform three of Tavener’s most powerful works. Mahámátar, also featuring Abi Sampa and the Trinity Boys’ Choir, floats in ethereal beauty as a gentle hymn of devotion, while in Popule meus, powerful aggressive timpani contrast with subtle moments for the solo cello and orchestra.

The death of Ivan Ilyich is an intense musical journey led by a solo bass voice, performed by Matthew Rose. Taking the listener from darkness to a ‘hard-won glimpse of light’, the piece was dedicated by Tavener to Isserlis’s late wife Pauline.

Framing the works for orchestra are two of Isserlis’s own arrangements for cello octet of Tavener’s moving choral music.

“These are among Tavener’s most powerful works. They are magnificently performed” ★★★★★ Classical Music

“a vibrant new contribution to the Tavener discography” Gramophone

“At once tough and inspiring” The Observer

“a moving tribute to John Tavener from one of his special champions” BBC Radio 3 Record Review