The Golden Thread (Sir John Tavener (Composer): The Golden Touch) 2002
Distributed by Chip Taylor Communications, 2 East View Drive, Derry, NH 03038-4812; 800-876-CHIP (2447)
Produced by TSI, Inc.
Directed by Werner Weick and Andrea Andriotto
VHS, color, 60 min.
Sr. High - Adult
Multicultural Studies, Religious Studies, Music, Philosophy, Biography
Date Entered: 11/09/2018
Reviewed by Brad Eden, Ph.D., Head, Web and Digitization Services, University Libraries, University of Nevada, Las VegasFirst of all, the title on the container is different than the title on the front screen of this video. The title on the container reads The Golden Touch, while the front screen of the film has The Golden Thread. The viewer may need to know both, in order to access or buy this video.
This film is a biographical interview with Sir John Tavener, one of the more interesting music composers of the 20th century. In it, Tavener is interviewed about his music, his philosophy of life, his religion, his inspirations, and his opinions. The film is very visually and aurally stimulating; scenes of the inside of Canterbury Cathedral in England, the coast of Greece, and nature are constantly shown as the movie progresses forward. Bits and pieces of some of Tavener's music is played, including "Tears of Angels," "Angels," "Icon of Light," "Icon of Eros," "Agrophon" (his favorite piece), and "Song for Athena," which was played at Princess Diana's funeral. Sir Tavener talks about his religious beliefs as the inspiration for his work, including his discovery of Orthodox Eastern Christianity. He discusses his belief that we all have a guardian angel, his love for the way Orthodoxy venerates icons and relics, what today's Western society has lost, and the differences between Western and Eastern Christianity. It is interesting that he mentions that the greatest German composer to him is Hildegard von Bingen (12th century mystic and chant composer). He has homes in both Greece and Dorset, England.
This is a fascinating look inside the mind and philosophy of a modern music composer. Sir Tavener is very vocal about his beliefs, his philosophy of life, and what he feels the modern Western world has lost in its rush for materialism and success. His philosophy of music is that everything is inspired, and that if he has to work to produce the music, then it isn't divinely inspired. He is shown throughout the video in very different locations and locales around the world. As part of the "Introduction to Music Series," this is an excellent addition. Tavener's blend of Eastern and Western musical traditions is indeed unique and inspired.