John Tavener, one of Britain's most celebrated composers whose music was played at the funeral of Princess Diana, died at his home in southwest England on Tuesday at the age of 69, his publisher said.
He was one of the few modern composers to gain a following among non-classical audiences, with many people attracted to his mysticism and spirituality.
The artist was best known for the classical chart-topper "The Protecting Veil" and for his "Song for Athene" that was played at Diana's funeral in 1997. His 2003 work "The Veil of the Temple" lasts seven hours.
Plagued by poor health for much of his life, Tavener suffered a stroke in his mid-30s and in 1990 was diagnosed with Marfan Syndrome, a genetic condition that can cause heart defects. He had a major heart attack in 2007.
Tavener was knighted in 2000 for services to music.
-Reuters
