The Music of Silence: A Composer's Testament

I found this collection of interviews with the composer John Tavener and the editor, Brian Keeble, to be quite interesting and often amusing. Mr. Taverner is not shy in expressing his great distaste for other "modern" composers who came before him(particularly Olivier Messaien.) The book is helpful for the perspective it gives the reader in understanding the process of composing music. Moreover, it shows us that for Tavener, music is not just for listening, it is a way of serving God. His devotion to the Orthodox Church has served to bring its centuries-old musical/vocal tradition to a broader audience, including those of us who are not familiar with the tenets of that Church. His music is not just for Christians or Orthodox believers; it is a music for people of all beliefs. The solemnity and emotion of the human spirit come through in every one of his works.

John Tavener has certainly been one of the greatest inspirations in my life, and in this book it is finally possible to glimpse into the inner workings of his mind. His narrative reveals much of his personality, which is something completely apart from the public "image" that has often been thrust upon him. What is so striking is his honesty; although, like his beloved Stravinsky, he sometimes contradicts himself without knowing it, Tavener takes the plunge that is always difficult for autobiographers: he admits to a discomfort with his past and is willing to account for some embarrassing mistakes in his musical career. It does chafe just a little that he keeps referring to "Fall and Resurrection" (which he had just completed at the time of writing), but that notwithstanding, he engages the reader with his tales, opinions and feelings as much as he engages the faithful listener with his compositions. (And on a personal note, having met him and sung his music to him, I find it very hard not to hear his voice as I read the words...)The book also contains several interview sections conducted by the editor Brian Keeble. These, it is explained in the preface, are recordings of spontaneous discussion as opposed to carefully planned dialogue, and to encounter Tavener in conversation is nearly as fascinating as reading his own prose. At long last, we can see what makes him tick, how he feels about his life and work, and what his hopes for the future are.Even if you already have the Geoffrey Haydon book "Glimpses of Paradise," you should consider getting this- it sheds new light on the story of a truly unique composer and does indeed offer a message of hope for the next millennium. Outstanding!