Today the Virgin is a strophic setting of a text by Mother Thekla, an Orthodox nun who was Tavener’s spiritual guide, in addition to his librettist for several of his major works. In typical Eastern Orthodox style, a drone is employed in the bass, and the upper voices move in parallel fifths and octaves. Each verse ends with successively longer alleluias.

Today the Virgin comes to the cave
To give birth to the Word eternal:
Rejoice, O World!
With the Angels and the Shepherds
Give glory to the child! Alleluia!

Mary, my wife! What do I see?
I took you blameless before the Lord
From the priests of the Temple.
Rejoice O World…

Joseph, the Bridegroom! Do not fear.
God in His mercy has come down to earth,
He takes flesh in my womb
For all the world to see.
Rejoice, O world…

Mary, my Bride! What do I see?
You, a Virgin giving birth. Strange mystery!
Rejoice, O World…

Warned by the Angel, we believe
That Mary gives birth inexplicable
To the infant, Christ our God.
Rejoice, O World...

Program notes by Matt Niess, Matt Oltman, Vince Peterson, Dina Spyropoulos, Noah Wagar and Drew Young.