John Tavener

Tu Ne Sais Pas (a metaphysical paradox)

Tu Ne Sais Pas is a work by John Tavener for Medium Voice, Timpani and Strings. The work sets words by the French poet and philosopher Jean Biès, and from Islamic and Hindu sources. This is the Vocal Score and lasts around 19 minutes. Commissioned by Maestro Ignat Solzhenitsyn for The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia, it was first performed on 20th March 2009, at the Perelman Theater, The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, Philadelphia, by Katherine Pracht (mezzo-soprano) and The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia conducted by Ignat Solzhenitsyn. Two poems by the contemporary French poet Jean Biès form the basis of the work. Two traditional Islamic and Hindu texts have been inserted into the second poem, creating a powerful composition that is subtitled 'A Metaphysical Paradox'.