Located in the UK
Located in the USA
Located in Europe
- John Tavener
Love Duet from 'Krishna' (2012)
- Chester Music Ltd (World)
Commissioned by Manchester International Festival (MIF Creative) with thanks for the support of the MIF Commissioning Circle.
- 4(afl)+4afl000/0.4.3+btbn.0/timp.perc/str/bass voices
- soprano.tenor
- 15 min
- text from traditional sources
Programme Note
Commissioned by Manchester International Festival (MIF Creative) with thanks for the support of the MIF Commissioning Circle.
In the Hindu tradition, Krishna is 'God' in the same way that Christ is 'God' for Christians. The Love Duet between Krishna and Radha (chief of the Gopis, or cow-herd girls), forms the central 'still point' in my Pantomime-Opera 'The Play of Krishna'.
Radha is literally 'adored' by God/Krishna, and this gives huge significance to this central section. Krishna (always accompanied by 8 flutes) and Radha sing each other's names over and over again, as do Papageno and Papagena in Mozart's 'The Magic Flute'. 'The Play of Krishna' was inspired by 'The Magic Flute', and mathematical and musical allusions occur throughout.
According to Hindu belief, the erotic love between Krishna and Radha symbolises the union of the human soul with God.
J.T.
In the Hindu tradition, Krishna is 'God' in the same way that Christ is 'God' for Christians. The Love Duet between Krishna and Radha (chief of the Gopis, or cow-herd girls), forms the central 'still point' in my Pantomime-Opera 'The Play of Krishna'.
Radha is literally 'adored' by God/Krishna, and this gives huge significance to this central section. Krishna (always accompanied by 8 flutes) and Radha sing each other's names over and over again, as do Papageno and Papagena in Mozart's 'The Magic Flute'. 'The Play of Krishna' was inspired by 'The Magic Flute', and mathematical and musical allusions occur throughout.
According to Hindu belief, the erotic love between Krishna and Radha symbolises the union of the human soul with God.
J.T.
Scores
Preview the score
Reviews
New pieces showed the same passion for exactitude, the difference being that this now takes the form of very subtle permutations of a tiny handful of ideas. In the Love Duet from the Play of Krishna it was a set of mysteriously radiant string chords, over which [...] floated rapturous melodies.
9th July 2013
Love Duet from the Play of Krishna is the point in which western, orthodox and 100 other musical influences meet.
9th July 2013
Inspired by The Magic Flute, where Papageno and Papagena sing each other’s name, here we have Krishna and Radha repeatedly singing to each other to symbolise the union of the human soul with God. Over 20 minutes, their duo’s love is played out against a dramatic musical backdrop, from melodious sweeping strings to hefty brass and percussion.
8th July 2013