John Tavener - Desert Island Discs

What this episode covers

The castaway in Desert Island Discs this week is the composer John Tavener. He'll be talking to Sue Lawley about the varied inspirations for his music and about how he regards the work of composition as an act of prayer. His music has won the admiration of both serious musicians and the general public - last year his work for cello and strings, The Protecting Veil, held the number one place in the classical charts for several months. Now nearly 50, his was a precocious talent - one of his earliest works was recorded successfully when he was only 24, thanks to the support of the Beatles.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs] Favourite track: Akathist of Thanksgiving by John Tavener Book: Apophthegmata Patrum (early writing of Egyptian fathers) Luxury: Upright piano

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of Desert Island Discs?

This episode is 38 minutes long.

When was this Desert Island Discs episode published?

This episode was published on September 18, 1994.

What is this episode about?

The castaway in Desert Island Discs this week is the composer John Tavener. He'll be talking to Sue Lawley about the varied inspirations for his music and about how he regards the work of composition as an act of prayer. His music has won the...

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