Transcript
Father Malachy was a charismatic Carmelite monk who lived in the mediaeval castle of Allington. He had re-established the Carmelite order at Aylesford and I met him during the 60s. I used to go and stay at the castle when I met Metropolitan Anthony, leader of the Russian Orthodox Church in England, as well as meeting visiting Hindu, Muslim and Buddhist leaders.
When Father Malachy died, I went to the Requiem Mass at Aylesford and I heard some notes which would form the basis of the Little Requiem.
Later I expanded the Little Requiem into the full setting of the Requiem Mass for the Kings Singers and the Nash Ensemble. I worked with Clive Wearing on the plain chant and managed to weave the chant into the Requiem creating a fifty minute score. I conducted many performances in England and Europe.
Listen
This is a snippet from the Little Requiem for Father Malachy
Tavener Conducts
John Tavener conducts the Nash Ensemble & The King’s Singers:
