Sir John Tavener dies at 69

[Andy Clough]

Sad news:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-24919332

 

[Covenanter]

How sad! He was on Radio 4 only yesterday. A great composer of our times.

Chris

PS If you don't know his music the Isserlis perfromance of "The Protecting Veil" is outstanding.

 

[matt49]

How sad! He was on Radio 4 only yesterday. A great composer of our times.

Chris

PS If you don't know his music the Isserlis perfromance of "The Protecting Veil" is outstanding.

Seconded on all counts.

 

[spiny norman]

Sad news:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-24919332

To be strictly accurate, he has died. His last work to be premiered on Friday

 

[atishaysingh]

Very Sad News...

 

[Son_of_SJ]

He had had indifferent health for half his life, he had had a stroke at the age of around 35, I believe. When I last saw him on television, a year or two ago, he certainly didn't look like a well man. I used to belong to a choir and we sang three of his works. Everyone talks about his Song for Athene, but I like better The Lamb and one work that I would quite like to be sung at my own funeral, the Funeral Ikos. Latterly composing had provided a welcome distraction from his constant pain, so it may be best for him that he has died. He will indeed be missed.

 

[davedotco]

Whilst a name that I know, I am really not that familiar with his music, though I have heard one or two pieces, hymns I think

So I am rectifying that this morning, starting with the aforementioned 'The Protecting Veil'.

 

[Covenanter]

Just to add that there is a 15th century English composer with the same name (and who also wrote beautiful music) so a little care is needed when exploring.

Chris

 

[Naxos]

I remember the powerful effect "The Whale" had on me in my teens, and I've been lucky enough to sing a few of his works in the past. A singular voice that really knew how to communicate with deceptively simple means, and who wrote simply some of the most beautiful music of our times. If you want an example of the spine-tingling effects he could produce, try "God is With Us" - you think it's an unaccompanied vocal piece until the organ enters towards the end to make you jump out of your seat. (Sorry - should have put a spoiler warning there :doh

 

[Covenanter]

Duplicate deleted - I hit "Refresh" by mistake..

Chris

 

[busb]

Am listening to The Tyger as I type. He was a major force in British classical music