John Tavener's career can be seen as a process of 'unlearning,' gradually paring down his music to remove intellectual systems and techniques to reach a state where only the 'essence' remains.
Composer's Artistic Vision
John Tavener developed a personal style that embraces his concept of melodic minimalism, influenced by Stravinsky.
Composer Biography
Sir John Tavener, born in London in 1944, was educated at the Royal Academy of Music, where Lennox Berkeley was his composition tutor.
Cultural Impact
John Tavener's sacred work, Song for Athene, gained significant recognition after being sung at the funeral ceremony of Princess Diana.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Tavener's ultimate goal was to bring himself and his audiences closer to an ultimate truth through his music, whether called salvation, soul, nirvana, or cosmic consciousness.
Composer Biography
While still in college, John Tavener won the prestigious Prince Rainier of Monaco Prize in 1965 for his cantata, Cain and Abel.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Tavener believed that society's emphasis on ego-feeding issues like academic success and money distances us from the 'essence' of life, a downward spiral he felt began with the Renaissance.
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