Tavener: The Protecting Veil

Described by the composer as ‘an ikon in sound’, The Protecting Veil exemplifies John Tavener’s use of music to explore the spiritual and religious aspects of human existence, feeding off the lyricism and depth of the cello’s timbre to create a musical symbol of the Mother of God. The meditative quality of this work is complemented by Britten’s introspective Cello Suite No.3 and Tavener’s own single-movement Thrinos, a touching lament for the dead.

For her second recording for RCA Red Seal, Australian saxophonist Amy Dickson has chosen three modern classical works in the minimalist genre. The first is an arrangement for soprano saxophone Amy has made herself of Philip Glass’s Violin Concerto, the second is Amy’s arrangement of John Tavener’s The Protecting Veil, and the third piece is Michael Nyman’s concerto in one movement Where The Bee Dances.

Amy is the cover feature for Muso Magazine’s February 2010 issue, and will be interviewed in the February 2010 issue of Classic FM magazine. She will be interviewed on Classic FM radio and BBC Radio 3’s ‘In Tune’ programme during the first week of February 2010. Great media coverage is expected of this innovative and radio-friendly recording which demonstrates Amy’s commitment to increasing the range of repertoire available for her instrument. She is also getting interest from the media due to having recently been signed as a brand ambassador for Armani, she will be dressed by the design company for her future concerts and appearances. She will also be acting as an ambassador for the Princes Trust from 2010.

Each disc in the set takes the listener on a fascinating journey through the century, composer by composer and work by work, from Russian Romanticism, French Impressionism, English Pastoralism, Atonalism, Neo Classicism right up to Post Modernism, and from as wide a range of countries and genres as possible.