Tavener - The Lamb

Question 1

Most of The Lamb can tolerably be described as ‘bitonal’.

What does ‘bitonal’ mean, and why is that word suitable here?

Answer 1

bitonal means ‘appearing to be in two keys at once’

The Lamb often has one line that is best described as being in ‘G-major’ being played at the same time as another line that is best described as being in ‘E-flat major’.

Question 2

Tavener here treats the melody like a ‘row’ or ‘series’, using the four ‘orders’ of the row as defined in Schoenberg-style serialism.

What are the four ‘row orders’?

Answer 2

Prime (normal)

Retrograde (backwards)

Inversion (intervals go in opposite direction)

Retrograde Inversion (the inversion played bakwards)

Question 3

How would you describe the structure of The Lamb

Answer 3

strophic

two verses

each verse has a mini-ternary ABA’ feel to it

verse 2 is identical to verse 1 except that in bars 11-16 the parts are doubled at the octave below

Question 4

Tavener

What is an anthem?

Answer 4

A sacred song, usually for unaccompanied choir, with English words.

Question 5

The melodies in The Lamb have a very small range - what is it?

Answer 5

augmented fifth - E-flat to B

Question 6

Tavener

What elements of minimalism can be seen in The Lamb?

Answer 6

repetition

modal harmonization (bars 7-10)

Question 7

Why is Tavener’s The Lamb a good example of postmdern eclectisism?

Answer 7

mix of diverse styles and influences

• English church anthem
• minimalism
• serialism
• plainchant

Question 8

Tavener - The Lamb

There are three types of texture in this piece…

(plus textural thickening in verse 2)

Answer 8

monophony

2-part homorhythmic counterpoint

4-part homophony

Question 9

Tavener - The Lamb

what happens tonally?

Answer 9

monophonic opening suggestive of G-major

2-part passages suggest bitonal G/E-flat major

end of each verse is E-Aeolian

Question 10

What forces are required to perform Tavener’s The Lamb

Answer 10

SATB choir