John Tavener Has Gone

English Composer John Tavener has died. A leading light amongst the avant garde and minimalistic composers he, (after undergoing a near death experience with his troubling health), moved to a more religious/spiritual music later in life after his conversion to the Greek Orthodox church. I was listening to an interview with him only this Monday on Radio 4 on John Herbert with Andrew Marr, John Drury and the novelist Jeanette Winterson.He was notable among many things for once being signed to Apple records. He was a strange looking guy with a rare genetic condition but for me it was the sheer breadth of his genius that will live long in the ears of those who have heard his works. He was influenced by everything from medieval to modern music and shall be missed. Like Britten before him I think he will only truly appreciated now that he has gone.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=022lNxhAEec