The protecting veil

"Recommended: There have been several fine recordings of the work ever since Steven Isserlis, who had given the Proms premiere on 4th September 1989, released his ... recording ... but Matthew Barley's recording is special on two counts. Firstly, he directs the orchestra himself - something of a major feat considering the cellist has no real break during the entire 45-minute duration of the work. And secondly, instead of the customary coupling with other Tavener works or associated pieces for cello, Barley places it within the context of poems which were known to be favourites of Tavener ... The result is a recording which, rather than merely presenting a significant repertory work, sets it in a luminous and illuminating backdrop".

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"Editor's choice: Barley directs the Sinfonietta Riga himself, from the cello, and the sense of complicity is very much a hallmark of this performance. [His] cello sings and the orchestra functions perfectly as the 'cosmic echo chamber' the composer desired. Even if you have other recordings of The Protecting Veil, I recommend this utterly beautiful and originally framed version unreservedly".