John Tavener: Song For Athene (Alleluia. May Flights Of Angels Sing Thee To Thy Rest)

Song For Athene, for unaccompanied SATB choir, was commissioned by the BBC and written in memory of Athene Hariades, who died in March 1993. The text is taken from Shakespeare's Hamlet and the Orthodox Funeral Service. The work was first performed at the funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales in September 1997 under the title Alleluia. May Flights of Angels Sing Thee to Thy Rest. Martin Neary conducted the Westminster Abbey Choir.