Sir John Kenneth Tavener (28 January 1944 – 12 November 2013) was a British composer, known for his extensive output of religious works, including The Whale, The Protecting Veil, Song for Athene and "The Lamb", a choral composition that was included in the soundtrack for Paolo Sorrentino's film The Great Beauty.[1] He began as a prodigy;[2] in 1968, at the age of 24, he was described by The Guardian as "the musical discovery of the year",[3] while The Times said he was "among the very best creative talents of his generation."[4] During his career he became one of the best known and popular composers of his generation, most particularly for The Protecting Veil, which as recorded by cellist Steven Isserlis became a bestselling album, and Song for Athene which was sung at the funeral of Princess Diana.[5] Tavener was knighted in 2000 for his services to music and won an Ivor Novello Award.