A leading figure in a contemporary musical genre that has been called "holy minimalism" has died, the BBC News reports on Tuesday
Sir John Tavener, one of the leading British composers of the 20th and 21st centuries, has died at the age of 69. Sir John was known for music that drew on his deep spirituality.In 1992, The Protecting Veil topped the classical charts for several months and in 1997 his Song For Athene was played at the funeral of Princess Diana.
He had suffered ill health for much of his life, culminating in a heart attack in 2007 that led him to spend six months in intensive care. Previously, he had suffered a stroke in 1979, and in 1990 was diagnosed with Marfan Syndrome, a hereditary condition that can cause heart defects.
His other well-known works included A New Beginning, which was chosen to see in the new century at the end of 1999 in the Millennium Dome in London.
James Rushton, managing director of Sir John's publisher Chester Music, described him as "one of the unique and most inspired voices in music of the last 50 years."
"His large body of work ... is one of the most significant contributions to classical music in our times," he said.
"For all of those fortunate enough to have known him, John was a man of strong beliefs, huge personal warmth, loyalty, and humour. He will be much missed."