Sir John Tavener has been a unique, controversial and ever-evolving figure on the contemporary music scene since the late sixties. Although his music was strongly influenced by the Eastern Orthodox Church for twenty years, he has recently started to move in a new direction. These CDs encompass a representative cross-section of his music, including the world premiere of Prayer of the Heart, written for and sung by Björk, and part of his most popular work The Protecting Veil. The composer himself also speaks in detail for the first time about his new sources of inspiration, and reminiscences about his early career, his passions, and his struggles with serious illness. Combined with a comprehensive essay, this portrait paints the definitive picture of one of the most charismatic and important composers working today.