Tavener LIFE ETERNAL

John Tavener

LIFE ETERNAL (ΖωZ) for soprano, bass and chamber orchestra

CHESTER MUSIC rev. 7.04

This work was commissioned by Tewkesbury Abbey on the occasion of its 900th anniversary.

It was first performed on 21st July 2002 in Tewkesbury Abbey by Patricia Rozario (soprano), Stephen Richardson (bass), and the BBC National Orchestra of Wales conducted by Richard Hickox.

SCORING Solo soprano Solo bass (or baritone) Alto flute* Percussion (2 players): Large Tibetan temple bowl Cluster of Greek goat’s bells Tubular bells

Strings (suggested strength 4.4.3.3.3 desks, minimum 6 double bass players)

* Notated in C in the score

, and represent microtones, the characteristic ‘breaks in the voice’ of Byzantine chant

Duration: c. 25 minutes Score on sale: Order No. CH63866 Score and instrumental parts on hire

COMPOSER’S NOTE The Greek word ΖωZ (Zoée) means “Life”. When Christ uses it in the Gospel of St John, it always implies Life Eternal, both here and now, and in the Age to Come. This work is a meditation on the word ΖωZ, and on ΖωZ αιfνιος (Zoée eónios) – “Life Eternal”.

The meditation is based on the Gospel narrative of The Raising of Lazarus, recounting the dialogue of Christ and Martha. “Everyone who is alive and has faith in me will never die”. As Lazarus comes back to life at the bare word of Christ, all the bells are rung, reminding the listener that this miracle is the precursor of Christ’s own Resurrection.

The music for Christ is rhythmically very obscure, with the tactus changing on almost every bar.

This symbolises the Eternal Logos, fully active in all great religious traditions, hence this ancient rhythmic language which originates in the Hindu chant of the Samaveda, used for chanting the Rigveda. Martha’s music is related, but simpler, symbolising her total faith in Christ. The apex of both music and text comes at the words “Jesus wept”.

Life Eternal was written in memory of Patricia Rozario’s father: eternal memory – Colin.

J.T.

eternal memory – Colin

LIFE ETERNAL Zwhv John Tavener (1998)

Pure, still, without emotion (

= c.60)

Alto Flute

Temple Bowl senza vibrato poss.

Soprano

Zw

hv.

Zw

hv.

Zw

senza vibrato poss.

Bass

Zw

hv.

Pure, still, without emotion (

Zw

hv.

Zw

= c.60)

Violin I

Violin II

Viola

Violoncello

Double Bass

6 Sop.

hv.

Zw

hv.

Zw

hv.

Bass

hv.

11

Zw

hv.

Zw

hv.

A

Sop.

Zw hv.

Bass

Zw © Copyright 2002 Chester Music Ltd.

CH 63866

hv. rev. July 04

2 15 Sop.

Zw

hv.

Zw

hv.

Bass

Zw

hv.

18 Sop.

Zw

hv.

Zw

hv.

Bass

Zw

hv.

21 Sop.

Zw

hv.

Bass

Zw

hv.

Zw

hv.

rit.

24 Sop.

Zw

hv.

Bass

Zw

hv.

Attacca Subito!

3

B

c.10" – 15"

27 T. Bowl molto CHRIST Bass

Individual tempi (

between 60 and 200)

1 sonore

dim. poco a poco

sonore

dim. poco a poco

sonore

dim. poco a poco

sonore

dim. poco a poco

2

3 D.B. 4

( = 60)

5 dim. poco a poco

6 dim. poco a poco

C 28 T. Bowl , sonore

( = 104)

( = 72)

molto , sonore CHRIST

La 1

2

3 D.B. 4

5

6

za

rus

is

4

D

30 T. Bowl

( = 104)

( = 72)

CHRIST

(is) 1

2

3 D.B. 4

5

6

(hold until the T. Bowl dies away) 33 T. Bowl molto

( = 60)

L.P.

poss! molto

CHRIST

(is)

dead.

At the conductor’s signal, go to held D

( = 60)

1 poss! molto 2 poss! molto 3 D.B.

poss! molto

4 poss! molto 5 poss! molto 6 poss! molto

E Pure, still, without emotion (

5

= c.60)

senza vibrato

35 Sop.

Zw

hv.

Zw

hv.

Zw

senza vibrato Bass

Zw

hv.

Zw

hv.

Zw

con sord.

Vln. I con sord.

Vlc.

40 Sop.

hv.

Zw

hv.

Zw

hv.

Bass

hv.

Zw

hv.

Zw

Vln. I

Vlc.

F 45 Sop.

Zw

hv.

Bass

Zw

Vln. I

Vlc.

hv.

hv.

6 47 Sop.

Zw

hv.

Bass

Zw

hv.

Vln. I

Vlc.

50 Sop.

Zw

hv.

Bass

Zw

Vln. I

Vlc.

rit.

54 Sop.

Zw

hv.

hv.

Zw

Bass

hv.

rit.

Vln. I

Vlc.

G Very freely (

7

= c.60)

molto espress. e legato 58

3

3

A. Fl. breathy

59

So tender ( = c.60) Always very freely

A. Fl. L.P.

3

MARTHA Sop.

If

Thou

hadst

been

here,

my

bro

ther

So tender ( = c.60) Always very freely (con sord.)

Vln. I con sord.

Vln. II con sord.

Vla. (con sord.)

Vlc.

D.B. 62 A. Fl. niente 3

MARTHA

had

not

died.

Vln. I

Vln. II

Vla.

Vlc.

D.B.

64

com’ eco 3

A. Fl. espress.

3

poco

8

H Pure and still 65

A. Fl.

Sop.

Zw

hv.

Zw

hv.

Zw

Bass

Zw

hv.

Zw

hv.

Zw

Pure and still senza sord.

Vln. I

senza sord.

Vlc.

div.

D.B.

70 A. Fl.

Sop.

Zw

hv.

Zw

hv.

Bass

hv.

Vln. I

Vlc.

D.B.

Zw

hv.

Zw

hv.

9

I Paradisial – light, and full of joy 75 A. Fl.

Sop.

Zw

hv.

Zw

hv.

Bass

Zw

hv.

Zw

hv.

Zw

Paradisial – light, and full of joy Vln. I espress.

Vlc.

D.B.

79 A. Fl.

Sop.

Zw

hv.

Zw

hv.

Zw

hv.

Bass

Vln. I

Vlc.

D.B.

Zw

hv.

Zw

hv.

hv.

10 83 A. Fl.

Sop.

Zw

hv.

Zw

hv.

Bass

Zw

hv.

Vln. I

Vlc.

D.B.

rit.

86 A. Fl.

Sop.

Bass

Zw

hv.

rit.

Vln. I

Vlc.

D.B.

11

J Awesome – shining and radiant c.10" – 15"

89 T. Bowl molto

CHRIST Bass

( = 60) 8

1 dim. poco a poco

molto Vln. I 8

2 dim. poco a poco

molto

Individual tempi ( senza sord.

between 60 and 200)

1 molto Vln. II

dim. poco a poco

senza sord.

2 molto

dim. poco a poco

senza sord.

1 molto

dim. poco a poco

Vla.

senza sord.

2 molto

dim. poco a poco

molto

dim. poco a poco

molto

dim. poco a poco

1 Vlc.

2

D.B. molto

dim. poco a poco

12

K 90 T. Bowl molto , sonore

( = 72)

( = 104)

( = 72)

CHRIST

I

am

the

Re

sur rec

8

1

Vln. I

8

2

Vln. II

1 2

Vla.

1 2

Vlc.

1 2

D.B. sonore 93 T. Bowl

( = 72)

( = c.72)

( = c.72)

( = 84)

CHRIST

tion, 8

1 8

Vln. I 2

Vln. II

1 2

Vla.

1 2

Vlc.

1 2

D.B.

and

the life.

Who so

e

ver

13 97 T. Bowl

( = 112)

( = 84)

( = 120) 3

5

CHRIST

li

veth and be lie veth in me

shall ne

8

1 Vln. I

8

2

Vln. II

1 2

Vla.

1 2

Vlc.

1 2

D.B.

100 T. Bowl

( = 104)

3

( = 72)

( = 84)

CHRIST

ver 8

1 Vln. I

8

2

Vln. II

1 2

Vla.

1 2

Vlc.

1 2

D.B.

die.

14

L

(hold until the T. Bowl dies away)

103 T. Bowl

molto

piĂš

( = 120)

( = 84)

molto al

poss.

molto al

poss.

cresc. poco a poco

molto al

poss.

cresc. poco a poco

molto al

poss.

cresc. poco a poco

molto al

poss.

cresc. poco a poco

molto al

poss.

cresc. poco a poco

molto al

poss.

cresc. poco a poco

molto al

poss.

cresc. poco a poco

molto al

poss.

cresc. poco a poco

molto al

poss.

L.P. CHRIST

Be

lie

vest

thou

this?

At the conductor’s signal, go to held D 8 8

1 cresc. poco a poco (loco)

Vln. I 8

2

1

Vln. II

2

1 Vla. 2

1 Vlc.

2

D.B.

15

M Moving forward – full of joy and light

( = c.88)

106 A. Fl.

Sop.

Zw

hv.

Zw

hv.

Zw

Bass

Zw

hv.

Moving forward – full of joy and light

Zw

hv.

Zw

( = c.88)

Vln. I

Vln. II

Vlc. div.

D.B. sonore

111 A. Fl.

Sop.

hv.

Zw

hv.

Zw

hv.

Bass

hv.

Vln. I

Vln. II

Vlc.

D.B.

Zw

hv.

Zw

hv.

16

N Radiant 116 A. Fl.

Sop.

Zw

hv.

3

3

3

3

Bass

Zw

hv.

Radiant Vln. I

Vln. II

Vlc. 3

3

3

3

D.B.

120 A. Fl.

Sop.

Zw 5

Bass

Zw

3

3

3

3

hv.

Vln. I

Vln. II

Vlc. 5

D.B.

hv.

17 123 A. Fl.

Sop.

Zw

hv.

Zw

hv.

Bass

Zw

hv.

Zw

Vln. I

Vln. II

Vlc.

D.B.

rit.

127 A. Fl.

Sop.

Zw

hv.

Zw

hv.

Bass

Zw

hv.

Zw

rit.

Vln. I

Vln. II

Vlc.

D.B.

hv.

hv.

18

O Very tender – always very freely

( = c.60)

colla voce

132

3

A. Fl. molto espress. molto espress.

3

MARTHA Sop.

Yea Lord:

Very tender – always very freely

I

be

lieve

( = c.60)

con sord.

Vln. I niente con sord.

Vln. II niente div. con sord.

unis.

Vla. niente con sord.

Vlc. niente D.B. niente

136

5

A. Fl.

5

MARTHA

that

Thou

art

Vln. I

Vln. II div.

Vla.

div.

Vlc.

D.B.

the

Son

of God,

19

rit.

139

3

A. Fl.

3

MARTHA

the

Son

of

God,

the Son

of

God.

rit.

Vln. I

Vln. II

Vla.

Vlc.

D.B.

A tempo

( = c.60)

P Cold, beyond grief 142 Sop.

Je

sus

wept.

Bass

Je

149

sus

wept.

c.6"

Sop.

Je

c.6" Bass

Je

sus

wept.

20 156 Sop.

sus

wept.

Bass

Q

Lightly (

163

= c.80–100) 3

Sop.

He com

eth

to

the

grave,

3

Bass

He com

eth

to

the

grave,

(163) 5

Sop.

a

stone

lay

up

on

it.

5

Bass

a

stone

Awesome, but tender ( 164

lay

up

on

it.

rit.

= 60)

3

CHRIST Bass

Take

ye

a

way

the

stone.

21

R

Ecstatic

165

( = c.88)

A. Fl. molto Sop.

Zw

hv

aji

wv

ni o".

Zw

hv

aji

molto Bass

Zw

Ecstatic

senza sord.

hv

aji

wv

Zw

hv

ni

o".

Zw

hv

( = c.88)

Vln. I senza sord.

Vln. II

senza sord.

Vlc. div.

D.B. sonore

168 A. Fl.

Sop.

wv

ni

o".

aji

wv

ni o".

Bass

aji

Vln. I

Vln. II

Vlc.

D.B.

wv

ni

o".

Zw

hv

aji

wv

22 171 A. Fl.

Sop.

Zw

hv

aji

wv

ni

o".

Zw

hv

aji

wv

ni

o".

Bass

ni o". Zw

hv

aji

wv

ni

o".

Zw

hv

aji

wv

ni

Vln. I

Vln. II

Vlc.

D.B.

S 175 A. Fl.

Sop.

Zw hv

aji

wv

ni

o".

Bass

o".

Vln. I

Vln. II

Vlc.

D.B.

Zw

hv

aji

wv

ni

o".

23 178 A. Fl.

3

Sop.

Zw

hv

aji

wv

Bass

Vln. I 3

Vln. II 3

Vlc.

D.B.

181 A. Fl.

Sop.

ni

o".

Bass

Zw

Vln. I

Vln. II

Vlc.

D.B.

hv

aji

wv

24

rit.

184 A. Fl.

Sop.

Zw

hv

aji

wv

ni

o".

Bass

ni o".

rit.

Vln. I

Vln. II

Vlc.

D.B.

T 188

( = 60)

poco

colla voce

A. Fl.

molto rubato MARTHA Sop.

By this

Vln. I niente

Vln. II niente senza sord.

Vla. div. niente Vlc. niente D.B. niente

unis.

time

he

stin

keth.

25

U Awesome – shining and radiant c.10" – 15"

192 T. Bowl molto

CHRIST Bass

( = 60) 8

1 dim. poco a poco

molto Vln. I 8

2 dim. poco a poco

molto

Individual tempi (

between 60 and 200)

1 molto

dim. poco a poco

molto

dim. poco a poco

molto

dim. poco a poco

molto

dim. poco a poco

molto

dim. poco a poco

molto

dim. poco a poco

Vln. II

2

1 Vla. 2

1 Vlc.

2

div.

D.B. molto

dim. poco a poco

26

V 193 T. Bowl molto

, sonore

( = 84)

( = 72)

molto , sonore CHRIST

If thou 8

1

Vln. I

8

2

Vln. II

1 2

Vla.

1 2

Vlc.

1 2

D.B.

195 T. Bowl

( = 104)

( = 120) 3

3

5

CHRIST

would 8

1 8

Vln. I 2

Vln. II

1 2

Vla.

1 2

Vlc.

1 2

D.B.

est

be

lieve

Thou

27

W 197 T. Bowl più e più

( = 112)

( = 84)

L.P.

L.P.

CHRIST

should est

see

the

glo

ry

of

God?

At the conductor’s signal, go to pause note 8 8

L.P. L.P.

1 molto

cresc. poco a poco Vln. I

(loco) L.P. L.P.

8

2 molto

cresc. poco a poco L.P.

L.P. 1 molto

cresc. poco a poco L.P.

Vln. II

L.P. 2 molto

cresc. poco a poco L.P.

L.P.

1 molto

cresc. poco a poco Vla.

L.P.

L.P.

2 molto

cresc. poco a poco L.P.

L.P.

1 molto

cresc. poco a poco Vlc.

L.P.

L.P.

2 molto

cresc. poco a poco L.P. D.B. cresc. poco a poco

molto

28

X 199

Theophanic

T. Bowl molto

G.G. Bells molto (very rhythmic and even)

5

T. Bells 5

molto

5

( = 72) poss.

( = 104)

L.P.

L.P.

( = 72)

L.P.

CHRIST

LA ZA RUS

molto

e sonore

molto

e sonore

come forth!

LA

ZA

RUS

come

D.B.

202 T. Bowl

G.G. Bells

T. Bells 5

5

( = 72)

5

poss.

CHRIST

LA ZA RUS

molto intensità D.B.

molto intensità

COME

FORTH!

L.P.

forth!

29

Y

OFF

25" c.5"

205 T. Bowl

poss!

G.G. Bells 5

T. Bells 5

5

5

5

CHRIST Bass

At the conductor’s signal, go to held D ( = 60) 8

8

1 poss!

Vln. I

(loco) 8

2 poss!

Individual tempi

1 poss!

Vln. II

2 poss!

1 Vla.

poss!

2 poss!

1 poss!

Vlc. 2 poss!

D.B. poss!

30

Z Serene and calm (

= c.60)

207 A. Fl.

3

3

Sop.

Zw

hv

aji

wv

ni

o".

Zw

hv

aji

wv

ni o".

3

3

Bass

Zw

hv

Serene and calm (

aji

wv

ni

o".

Zw

hv

aji

wv

ni

= c.60)

(senza sord.)

Vln. I

(senza sord.)

Vlc.

div.

D.B. sonore

211 A. Fl.

3

3

Sop.

Zw

hv

aji

wv

ni

o".

Zw

hv

ni

o".

aji

wv

ni

Bass

o".

Vln. I

Vlc.

D.B.

Zw

hv

aji

wv

Zw

hv

aji

wv

o".

31 215 A. Fl.

7

Sop.

Zw

hv 3

aji

wv

ni

o".

Zw

3

Bass

ni

o".

Zw

hv

aji

wv

ni

o".

7

Vln. I

Vlc.

D.B.

A1 217 A. Fl.

Sop.

hv

aji

wv

ni

7

Bass

Zw

hv

Vln. I

Vlc. 7

D.B.

aji

wv

32 219 A. Fl.

3

Sop.

o".

Zw

hv

Bass

ni

o".

Zw

hv

aji

Vln. I

Vlc.

D.B.

222 A. Fl.

Sop.

aji

wv

ni

o".

Zw

hv

aji

wv

Bass

ni

Vln. I

Vlc.

D.B.

o".

Zw

hv

aji

wv

wv

33 226 A. Fl.

Sop.

ni

o".

Zw

hv

Zw

hv

Bass

ni

o".

Vln. I

Vlc.

D.B.

rit.

231 A. Fl.

Sop.

aji

wv

ni

o".

aji

wv

ni

o".

Bass

rit.

Vln. I

Vlc.

D.B.

34

B1 Very freely ( 235

= c.60)

molto espress. e legato 3

3

A. Fl. breathy 236

Simply

rit.

A. Fl. leggiero

3

3

Sop.

And he

that

was

dead

leggiero

came forth,

3

bound

hand and foot.

bound

hand and foot.

3

Bass

And he

that

was

dead

came forth,

(Always very freely) 237

come eco, espress. molto e con molto rubato 3

3

A. Fl. poss.

niente

C1 Very serene

( = c.60)

238 Sop. 3

Zw

hv

aji

wv

ni

o".

Zw

hv

aji

wv

ni

o".

Bass

Zw

hv

aji

wv

ni

o".

Zw

hv

aji

wv

con sord.

Vla. con sord.

Vlc.

242 Sop.

Zw

hv

aji

o". Zw

hv

wv

ni

o".

Zw

hv

aji

wv

ni

3

Bass

ni

Vla.

Vlc.

aji

wv

ni

o".

Zw

hv

aji

wv

o".

35 Slower D1 So tender and ecstatic 246

3

3

sempre

Sop.

Zw

hv

aji

wv

ni o".

Zw

hv sempre

3

3

Bass

ni

o".

Zw

hv

aji

wv

ni o".

Zw

hv

Vla. sempre

Vlc. sempre

D.B. sempre

249 Sop.

aji wv

ni

o".

Zw

hv

aji

wv

ni

o".

aji wv

ni

o".

Zw

hv

aji

wv

ni

o".

Bass

Vla.

Vlc.

D.B.

36 253 Sop.

Zw

hv

aji

wv

ni o".

Zw

hv

aji

wv

ni o".

Zw hv

aji

wv

ni o".

Zw

hv

aji

wv

ni o".

Zw

hv

aji

wv

ni o".

Zw hv

aji

wv

ni o".

Bass

Vla.

Vlc.

D.B.

rit.

256

3

Sop.

Zw

hv

aji

wv

ni

o".

ni

o".

3

Bass

Zw

hv

aji

wv

Vla. 3

Vlc. 3

D.B.

37

E1

c.10" – 15"

260 T. Bowl molto CHRIST Bass

Individual tempi (

between 60 and 200)

1 sonore

dim. poco a poco

sonore

dim. poco a poco

sonore

dim. poco a poco

sonore

dim. poco a poco

2

3 D.B. 4

( = 60)

5 dim. poco a poco

6 dim. poco a poco

F1 261 T. Bowl , sonore

( = 104)

( = 72)

molto , sonore CHRIST

Loose 1

2

3 D.B. 4

5

6

him

and

let

him

go,

38

G1

263 T. Bowl

( = 104)

( = 72)

CHRIST

and let him 1

2

3 D.B. 4

5

6

(hold until the T. Bowl dies away) 266 T. Bowl molto

( = 60) poss! molto CHRIST

At the conductor’s signal, go to held D

( = 60)

1 poss! molto 2 poss! molto 3 D.B.

poss! molto

4 poss! molto 5 poss! molto 6 poss! molto

go.

39

H1 Fading away, into infinity 268

( = c.60)

poss.

Sop.

Zw

hv

aji

wv

ni

o".

Zw

hv

aji

wv

ni

o".

aji

wv

poss.

Bass

Zw

hv

aji

wv

ni

o".

Zw

hv

ni

272 5

Sop.

Zw

hv

aji

wv

ni

o".

Zw

hv

aji

5

Bass

o".

Zw

hv

aji

wv

ni

o".

Zw

hv

L.P. 275

L.P.

* A. Fl. poss.

niente

L.P. T. Bowl poss.

L.P.

poss.

L.P. niente

Sop.

wv

ni

o",

aji

wv...

L.P.

poss.

niente

L.P.

Bass

aji

* Play if required.

wv

ni

o",

aji

wv...

Pigadaki / Naldretts 9th September, 1998

CHESTER MUSIC (a division of Music Sales Ltd) 8/9 Frith Street, London W1D 3JB tel: +44 (0)20 7434 0066 fax: +44 (0)20 7287 6329

Exclusive distributor: Music Sales Ltd, Newmarket Road, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP33 3YB tel: +44 (0)1284 702600 fax: +44 (0)1284 702592 web: www.chesternovello.com e-mail: music@musicsales.co.uk

Order No: CH63866