John Tavener - Beyond the Veil DVD 1998 Featuring Song for Athene - As sung at the funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales / Directed by Bryan Izzard / Westminster Abbey Choir / La camerata at the Megaron, Athens / NVC Arts

UPC 0639842393126

REGION 2-5 NTSC  DVD

MADE IN THE EU

AUDIO: Lpcm Stereo

SUBTITLES: English, German, Spanish, French, Italian

Total Runtime: 80 minutes

English Summary:

Biography of the composer Tavener featuring 'Song For Athene' as sung at the funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales. 

Sir John Kenneth Tavener (28 January 1944 – 12 November 2013) was an English composer, known for his extensive output of religious works, including The Protecting Veil, Song for Athene and The Lamb.

Tavener first came to prominence with his cantata The Whale, premiered in 1968. Then aged 24, he was described by The Guardian as "the musical discovery of the year", while The Times said he was "among the very best creative talents of his generation." During his career he became one of the best known and popular composers of his generation, most particularly for The Protecting Veil, which as recorded by cellist Steven Isserlis became a best-selling album, and Song for Athene which was sung at the funeral of Princess Diana.The Lamb featured in the soundtrack for Paolo Sorrentino's film The Great Beauty. Tavener was knighted in 2000 for his services to music and won an Ivor Novello Award. He was awarded an Honorary Fellowship by Sarum College in 2001.

THIS DVD PRESENTATION IS BASED ON THE ACCLAIMED LWT SOUTH BANK SHOW

Filmed in England and Greece, this music-based portrait of John Tavener presents a window into the world of a truly great and original composer.

Melvyn Bragg interviews Tavener, asking him about his early influences, his life in 1960s ‘swinging’ London, his religious inspiration and his current idyllic lifestyle at home with his family in Greece.