John Tavener was a British composer known for his extensive output of religious works, including The Protecting Veil, Song for Athene and The Lamb. He was associated with the minimalist school of Western classical music, his works are characterized by their spiritual content and the vast scale on which they’re often composed.
Born in Wembley, London, Tavener was introduced to music from a young age. His father ran a family building business and was also an organist at the local Presbyterian church. His mother was a pianist and, recognizing her son’s musical talent early on, she arranged piano lessons for him when he was just three years old. He later learned to play the organ and, at 12, he was made the organist at the family church.
Tavener attended Highgate School where his music teacher, David Lumsden, was a significant early influence. Lumsden introduced Tavener to a wide range of music, including the works of Johann Sebastian Bach, of whom Tavener became particularly fond.
Tavener went on to study at the Royal Academy of Music from 1962-1968, where he focused on composition under Sir Lennox Berkeley. During his time at the Royal Academy, Tavener composed his first significant work, a one-act opera called “The Cappemakers”. This was followed by his breakthrough composition, “The Whale”, based on the Old Testament story of Jonah. The Beatles were so impressed by this piece that they included it on their Apple record label in 1968.
The early 1970s were a productive time for Tavener. His music was performed at the Proms and other high-profile venues, and he developed a reputation as a leading figure in British music. However, his career was put on hold in 1979 when he suffered a stroke. This event sparked a deep spiritual journey for Tavener, and he converted to the Russian Orthodox Church.
The following decade saw a shift in Tavener’s musical style to match his new religious devotion. His compositions became more contemplative, often based on liturgical texts. His work “The Protecting Veil” (1987) for solo cello and string orchestra brought him widespread international recognition.
Tavener continued to write music that reflected his religious beliefs throughout the 1990s and 2000s. Some of his most famous pieces from this period include “Song for Athene” (1993), which was played at the funeral of Princess Diana in 1997, and “The Lamb” (1982), a choral work that has become a staple of Christmas services around the world.
In the final years of his life, Tavener suffered from a series of health issues, including Marfan syndrome, a hereditary condition that affected his heart and bones. Nevertheless, he continued to compose, finding solace in his music and faith.
Tavener died on 12 November 2013 at his home in Child Okeford, Dorset. His final work, “Requiem Fragments”, was premiered posthumously in 2014. Despite his passing, Tavener’s legacy continues to resonate in the world of classical music. His works are admired for their unique blend of contemplative spirituality and striking minimalism, earning him a place as one of the most significant British composers of the late 20th century.
John Tavener (1944 – 2013)
John Tavener was a British composer known for his extensive output of religious works, including The Protecting Veil, Song for Athene and The Lamb. He was associated with the minimalist school of Western classical music, his works are characterized by their spiritual content and the vast scale on which they’re often composed.
Born in Wembley, London, Tavener was introduced to music from a young age. His father ran a family building business and was also an organist at the local Presbyterian church. His mother was a pianist and, recognizing her son’s musical talent early on, she arranged piano lessons for him when he was just three years old. He later learned to play the organ and, at 12, he was made the organist at the family church.
Tavener attended Highgate School where his music teacher, David Lumsden, was a significant early influence. Lumsden introduced Tavener to a wide range of music, including the works of Johann Sebastian Bach, of whom Tavener became particularly fond.
Tavener went on to study at the Royal Academy of Music from 1962-1968, where he focused on composition under Sir Lennox Berkeley. During his time at the Royal Academy, Tavener composed his first significant work, a one-act opera called “The Cappemakers”. This was followed by his breakthrough composition, “The Whale”, based on the Old Testament story of Jonah. The Beatles were so impressed by this piece that they included it on their Apple record label in 1968.
The early 1970s were a productive time for Tavener. His music was performed at the Proms and other high-profile venues, and he developed a reputation as a leading figure in British music. However, his career was put on hold in 1979 when he suffered a stroke. This event sparked a deep spiritual journey for Tavener, and he converted to the Russian Orthodox Church.
The following decade saw a shift in Tavener’s musical style to match his new religious devotion. His compositions became more contemplative, often based on liturgical texts. His work “The Protecting Veil” (1987) for solo cello and string orchestra brought him widespread international recognition.
Tavener continued to write music that reflected his religious beliefs throughout the 1990s and 2000s. Some of his most famous pieces from this period include “Song for Athene” (1993), which was played at the funeral of Princess Diana in 1997, and “The Lamb” (1982), a choral work that has become a staple of Christmas services around the world.
In the final years of his life, Tavener suffered from a series of health issues, including Marfan syndrome, a hereditary condition that affected his heart and bones. Nevertheless, he continued to compose, finding solace in his music and faith.
Tavener died on 12 November 2013 at his home in Child Okeford, Dorset. His final work, “Requiem Fragments”, was premiered posthumously in 2014. Despite his passing, Tavener’s legacy continues to resonate in the world of classical music. His works are admired for their unique blend of contemplative spirituality and striking minimalism, earning him a place as one of the most significant British composers of the late 20th century.
Discography
This Is Not A Lullaby
Channa Malkin
REIÐ
Maya Fridman