To Hilary Stainsby

Meaning “of the heart“ in Arabic, “Amu” brings together 50 musicians, 7 singers, 10 dancers, a heart specialist and two very different responses to the theme – Wayne McGregor’s abstract choreography and Sir John Tavener’s dramatic classical music composition based on an Arabic love poem. The bold concept aimed to address the complex multi-functionality and symbolism of the human heart: as source of physical, emotional, and spiritual life.
Tavener conceived the composition in response to his own heart condition.

His theatrical and grandiose score mixes ambient, chant-like vocals with soaring string melodies and the continuous sound of a heart-beat played steadily faster upon a drum. The lover’s name Laila is repeatedly intoned, between passing strains of exotic Arabic rhythms. McGregor kept away from the romantic narrative and reportedly explored “biological, electrical and neurological aspects” of the heart organ – going to the lengths of watching open-heart surgery. But McGregor has not significantly developed or enriched his signature repertoire of contortions, torso twists and crooked angles, but added to them simple classical elements and basic imitations of primitive or ethnic ...