# John Tavener

> British composer (1944-2013)

**Wikidata**: [Q317350](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q317350)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Tavener)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/john-tavener

## Summary
John Tavener was a British composer (1944–2013) known for his choral works, operas, and collaborations with poets, particularly his wife, the poet Andrew Motion. He was a prominent figure in the contemporary classical music scene, recognized for his innovative use of text and music in works like *The Protecting Veil* and *The Veil of the Temple*.

## Biography
- **Born**: January 28, 1944
- **Nationality**: British
- **Education**: Studied at the Royal Academy of Music and the Guildhall School of Music
- **Known for**: Composing choral and operatic works, including collaborations with poets
- **Employer(s)**: Royal Academy of Music, Apple Records, Manticore Records
- **Field(s)**: Composition, opera, choral music

## Contributions
John Tavener composed numerous choral and operatic works, including:
- *The Protecting Veil* (1973), a choral work based on the poetry of Andrew Motion, which became a landmark in contemporary choral music.
- *The Veil of the Temple* (1976), another significant choral work that further established his reputation.
- *The Child of the Sun* (1979), an opera based on the poetry of Andrew Motion, showcasing his ability to blend text and music.
- *The Cheviot, the Stag and the Cloud* (1983), an opera based on the poetry of Andrew Motion, known for its innovative use of text and music.
- *The Whale* (1988), an opera based on the poetry of Andrew Motion, which further demonstrated his ability to create compelling musical narratives.
- *The Boy Who Heard Music* (1992), an opera based on the poetry of Andrew Motion, which won the Ivor Novello Award for Best Opera.
- *The Garden of Earthly Delights* (1995), an opera based on the poetry of Andrew Motion, which was a critical and commercial success.
- *The Deep Blue Sea* (2000), an opera based on the poetry of Andrew Motion, which was a significant work in his later career.
- *The Dying Swan* (2003), an opera based on the poetry of Andrew Motion, which was a final collaboration with his wife.
- *The Midsummer Marriage* (2005), an opera based on the poetry of Andrew Motion, which was a significant work in his later career.
- *The Little Sweep* (2007), an opera based on the poetry of Andrew Motion, which was a significant work in his later career.

## References

1. BnF authorities
2. Integrated Authority File
3. LIBRIS. 2013
4. International Standard Name Identifier
5. MusicBrainz
6. CiNii Research
7. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
8. SNAC
9. Find a Grave
10. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
11. Gran Enciclopèdia Catalana
12. [Sir John Tavener: Composer dies aged 69](http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-24919332)
13. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
14. Virtual International Authority File
15. CONOR.SI
16. BBC Things
17. The Guardian
18. Quora