Listen to Part 1
Tavener is largely at odds with the popular contemporary views of classical music. In part one of his interview, he explains why he is not a big fan of Beethoven or Mozart and why most classical music sounds contrived to him. Tavener makes the case for an approach to music he calls more "primordial" and "traditional."

While Tavener's reputation has been growing over the last 30 years, one recent event catapulted him to international prominence. We'll hear a piece of Tavener's that was sung to close the funeral of Princess Diana, the "Song for Athene" (ah-THEE-nee). Martin Neary conducts the Westminster Abbey Choir. (Sony Classical SK 66613)

Listen to Part 2
In the second part of their conversation, Fred talks to Tavener about his new piece, "Lamentations and Praises," based on the Orthodox liturgy for Good Friday. Tavener hopes his piece will work like Orthodox icons (Tavener was received into the Russian Orthodox Church in 1977), which are meant to lead people toward contemplation of the divine. He feels that "you shouldn't try to dissect the piece...you should let it dissect you."

From John Tavener's new piece, "Lamentations and Praises," we'll hear two sections: "Stasis III" and "Princes have persecuted me." The male vocal ensemble Chanticleer is joined by members of the Handel and Haydn Society. (Teldec 0927-41342-2)