‘One of most inspired voices in music’ lost

Composer Sir John Tavener, one of the greatest British figures in contemporary classical music has died at the age of 69.

In the late 1960s he was famously signed to The Beatles’ record label Apple and his music was notably performed at the funeral of Diana, Princess Of Wales, in 1997.

The Prince of Wales was said to be “saddened” by the death earlier yesterday, and friends such as Mia Farrow expressed their sorrow.

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Sir John, a gifted organist in his early teens before making his name as a composer, is said to have died “peacefully at home” in Child Okeford, Dorset.

He was a giant not only of the classical world, but also in physical stature, standing 6ft 6in, and was instantly recognisable with his mane of collar-length blond hair.

He rose to prominence when, after studying at the Royal Academy of Music, his oratorio The Whale was premiered at the London Sinfonietta’s first concert and was released by Apple, which was better known for pop and rock releases. Within a decade the deeply spiritual composer found a home in the Russian Orthodox Church, and the musical traditions of the eastern churches infused much of his work.

He attracted popular attention with works such as The Protecting Veil, The Lamb and Eternity’s Sunrise, and Song For Athene was performed as Diana’s coffin was carried out of Westminster Abbey.

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Another of his compositions, A New Beginning, saw in the new century at the Millennium Dome, and he twice featured in the shortlist for the Mercury Prize, lining up against chart stars and more esoteric performers.

Dapper Sir John – who is survived by his wife Maryanna and three children – was knighted for services to music in the Millennium Honours list.

James Rushton, the managing director of his publisher Chester Music, said: “John Tavener was one of the unique and most inspired voices in music of the last 50 years.

“His large body of work – dramatic, immediate, haunting, remaining long in the memory of all who have heard it, and always identifiably his – is one of the most significant contributions to classical music in our times.”

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A Clarence House spokesman said: “The Prince of Wales was saddened to hear of the death of John Tavener.”

His friend Farrow said in a message on Twitter: “Peace dear friend, great composer, John Tavener.”

Sir John had suffered health problems for a number of years. He had a stroke in 1979, and 11 year later he was diagnosed with Marfan Syndrome, a hereditary condition that can cause heart defects and whose sufferers are often exceptionally tall with long arm spans. In 2007 he had a heart attack, which necessitated bypass surgery.

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