Tavener's Requiem

John Tavener

Last evening Gill and I had the privilege of attending the world premier of John Tavener's Requiem. The Roman Catholic Metropolitan Cathedral was a fitting venue for the performance.. as it allowed for the performers to be placed around the building, forming the four arms of a cross. In the centre was a lone celloist who represented (in the words of Tavener) the Primordial Light.

Different too was the content of this requiem for it contained works from the four major faiths of the world. To quote Tavener, "Today, the different religious traditions are often in conflict with each other, but inwardly every religion is the doctrine of the self and its earthly manifestations." He goes on to say, "The purpose of our existence in this world is precisely to understand the true nature of who we are."

I think I can understand a little what Tavener is saying. Some would argue that it is only in finding God do we find our true selves. However, God is in all of us and the more we discover our true self the more we discover about God

Tavener writes, "The essence of this Requiem is contained in the words "Our Glory lies where we cease to exist". That is, when one's false self is extinguished, the true self shines forth, and we have, in a way, become one with God."

The true self may never fully shine forth in this world but if we are truly open to God, if we are willing to take time to sit quietly in his presence, putting aside all thought, then I believe we can at least have a small glimpse of that future glory