Tavener: No Longer Mourn for Me
[ CD / Album ]

Ah, Sir John Tavener, the man who made classical music cool again by infusing it with spirituality and mysticism. And who better to bring his haunting melodies to life than the incomparable cellist, Steven Isserlis?

Isserlis, with his trademark wild hair and intense gaze, brings a sense of gravitas to Tavener's compositions on "No Longer Mourn For Me & Other Works For Cello." From the mournful strains of the title track to the ethereal beauty of "Threnos," Isserlis's cello sings with a depth of emotion that is nothing short of breathtaking.

But it's not all doom and gloom on this album. Tavener's playful side is on full display in pieces like "Eternal Memory" and "Epitaph," where Isserlis's cello dances and twirls with infectious energy.

The standout track, however, has to be "The Fosdyke Saga," a whirlwind of a composition that showcases Isserlis's technical prowess and Tavener's irreverent sense of humour.

In conclusion, "Sir John Tavener: No Longer Mourn For Me & Other Works For Cello" is a must-listen for any classical music aficionado. Isserlis's masterful interpretation of Tavener's works is nothing short of genius, and his cello sings with a beauty that is truly transcendent. So grab a glass of wine, light some incense, and let yourself be swept away by the spiritual beauty of this album. You won't regret it.