Located in the UK
Located in the USA
Located in Europe
- John Tavener
Lalishri (2006)
- Chester Music Ltd (World)
Commissioned by The Southbank Centre
Programme Note
Lalishri was inspired by the fourteenth century Hindu Saint and poet Lalla Yogishwari. Her poetry with its combination of intensity and simplicity made me think of the “innocent intensity” of Nicola Benedetti’s playing; indeed the solo violin represents the song of Lalla. When Lalla discovered ATMA or the true SELF (which is none other than God inside her) she danced naked throughout Kashmir. This spiritual nakedness manifests itself in bodily nakedness. The music is in five sections moving through dance, ecstatic trance to a musical expression of Bliss. This anyway is the intention of Lalishri, and with the help of Nicola’s playing maybe we can give something of a glimpse, however poor or inadequate of that blissful state that Lalla Yogishwari reached.
Media
Lalishri - Introduction
Lalishri Cycle 1
Lalishri Cycle 2
Lalishri Cycle 3
Lalishri Cycle 4