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.

Britten: Suite No. 3 for cello solo, Op. 87

Tavener: The Protecting Veil

London Symphony Orchestra, Gennady Rozhdestvensky

Thrinos for solo cello