Sir John Tavener dies

The British composer Sir John Tavener has died aged 69.

Tavener is well remembered for his ethereal Song for Athene and the unaccompanied four-part choral setting of William Blake’s The Lamb. Many of his works had a religious theme and were infused with ideas from the ancient classics. At school in London, he was a contemporary of John Rutter before continuing his studies at the Royal Academy of Music.

Tavener suffered from Marfan’s syndrome, an inherited condition which amongst other things, caused the cardiac problems, which plagued him all his life.

http://www.theguardian.com/music/2013/nov/12/john-tavener-british-composer-dies