The sheer communicative power of Thomas Adès’s Tevot for large orchestra (2007), with its perfectly judged trajectory and blazing A-major conclusion, is almost without equal. Unafraid to wear its heart on its sleeve, this is a work of breath-taking vision, sincerity and expression. Commissioned by the Berlin Philharmonic and Sir Simon Rattle.
‘A vast and heady orchestral piece, exhilarating in its sea-surge of lament, renewal and affirmation… Dark timpani, trombones, horns move like a tidal undertow, yielding to a glittering dance of woodwind and tuned anvils, a chorale for oboes and vibraphone. Suspensions tug, lament returns, high violins dematerialise. This music is as bold in imagination as it is in structure — and it unfailingly hits the spot.’
The Times (Hilary Finch), 23 June 2014
‘…a magnificent orchestral journey through chaos to consolation.’
The Times (Geoff Brown), 20 February 2010