Sir John Tavener, a popular British composer, has died at the age of 69.
Tavener has not been in great health for several years, especially after a heart attack in 2007, BBC News reports. The composer would spend six months in intensive care afterwards.
This followed a stroke in 1979 and being diagnosed in 1990 with Marfan Syndrome. Marfan Syndrome is a hereditary problem that often leads to heart defects.
Tavener is well known for his 1992 song "The Protecting Veil," which topped the classical charts. At Princess Diana's funeral he performed "Song for Athene."
According to The Guardian, the composer first became known in 1968 for his oratorio "The Whale," which was performed at the inaugural London Sinfonietta.
He was also known for his religious music after he joined the Russian Orthodox Church in 1977. Tavener said that his faith was a huge part of his work, but did regret how huge the church became a part of his early image.
"The thing I regret most about my life are those inane photos of me with icons," Tavener said in an earlier interview with the paper. "They used to come down here and dress me up, and I just tolerated it. It's my fault. But I shouldn't have done it. They literally brought down costumes, candles and icons! It was unbelievable stupidity."
The composer passed away at his home in Child Okeford in Dorset and is survived by his three children and wife, Maryanna.
image: Wikimedia Commons
