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