British composer Sir John Tavener dies at 69

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British composer was nominated for the Mercury Prize twice – in 1992 and 1997 – and received his knighthood in 2000

Sir John Tavener

British composer Sir John Tavener has died at the age of 69. Many will remember his Song for Athene that was played at the funeral of Princess Diana in 1997.

He was nominated for the Mercury Prize twice – in 1992 and 1997 – and received his knighthood in 2000.

His work The Protecting Veil topped the classical music charts for several months in 1992. He originally made his name with The Whale, which was released by The Beatles on their Apple label in 1968.

He made a remarkable comeback from a heart attack in 2007, despite having suffered from ill health for many years.

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Andy Clough
Andy Clough

Andy is Global Brand Director of What Hi-Fi? and has been a technology journalist for 30 years. During that time he has covered everything from VHS and Betamax, MiniDisc and DCC to CDi, Laserdisc and 3D TV, and any number of other formats that have come and gone. He loves nothing better than a good old format war. Andy edited several hi-fi and home cinema magazines before relaunching whathifi.com in 2008 and helping turn it into the global success it is today. When not listening to music or watching TV, he spends far too much of his time reading about cars he can't afford to buy.