Princess Diana's Funeral Part 20: Song for Athene by Sir John Tavener

[@bethiea]

I remember watching the funeral live on TV and thinking this was the most beautiful piece of music I had ever heard. What a way to pass into the great beyond! RIP Diana...

[@owenpeterson]

The Song for Athene without a doubt gave me chills when I first heard it, and nearly 12 years later it still gives me the chills. Very moving and sad piece. Very fit for a funeral of this stature.

[@england1413]

This song and the footage of the cross infront of the procession in the cathedral makes me beleive in heaven more than anything I have ever seen in my life.

[@runswithscissors86]

Of all the hours and hours of coverage of this tragic event, this is the one scene I will always remember. I sat on the edge of my bed and just stared as Diana was slowly carried out of the church to this gorgeous piece of music. Thank you for posting this.

[@BellaPeninah]

Every time I see this video or hear this particular hymn, I get goose bumps and chills. It is so haunting and just makes me think of my own mortality. I think whoever chose this song for Princess Diana's funeral exit, was an absolute visionary.

[@TheMdterp]

This is the most haunting song I've ever heard..its just amazing!!

[@GlennYoung0427]

This part of the funeral really made me cry. The haunting procession music made me feel that she was really gone and how fragile life really is.

[@slimithy12]

this music has haunted me ever since i watched this funeral. my whole family sat down and watched it together, my mum was in tears at this point. i have to admitt i felt really sad myself and i was only 13 at the time.

[@ramonpchi]

6:13-6:25 it appeared as though the very gates of heaven opened up and they were taking her "right on in". Hallelujah God. Just beautiful. Just beautiful. God be praised even in that moment.

[@AdLaura]

This was a beautiful song to have at her funeral. I'd never heard it before, but I've listened to it many times since. Lovely and sad.

[@2kes]

I saw this live when it happened, and this part is always the most haunting to me.

[@Nemie125]

This was such a truly sad and bizarre week. Because I live in London, some friends and I popped down to Kensington palace to lay flowers - it was one of the most surreal moments of my life. I didn't recognise anything - everything was different and there was something in the air that was almost tangible. It's very hard to put into words. The enormity of it was difficult to take in, and you sensed that something very other-worldly had occurred. I played this to my 12 year old daughter and tried to explain to her how the world seemed to stand still that week and how we lost someone who was incredibly special.

[@carolbrigid]

This is the most beautiful song I have ever heard.

[@pmcm71]

I just wanted to thank you for posting all this. I've lived my entire life in New York City but I remember feeling that this wasn't just a massive loss to England but the entire world lost a woman who could have easily lived a life of nothing but luxury and not care but she didn't. She did as much to help the sick, poor and downtrodden as anyone. The world was a better place with Diana in it and I can't help but wonder what it would be like if she was still with us.

[@LoreneFaith]

I still get teary eyed when I see this. This song has such a medieval haunting sound to it. Very fitting for the death of a princess. We will always love and miss you Diana, Princess of Wales.

[@Anttikarppinen1]

This is a beatyful funeral piece. Saw it live on TV. It brought a tear to my eye.

[@dbzgal04]

That music is so beautiful and moving! Princess Diana will never be forgotten!

[@nebulonicon]

In truth, the beauty and nobility of Diana was matched by these final moments of her funeral ceremony, with Taverner's music so perfect and stunningly performed, and the march of the Welsh guards, and the royal abbey itself. So incredibly moving.

[@emerybayblues]

+Raymondo Passero I bought the cassette tape of the funeral. I re-played this Taverner piece so much I warped the tape.

[@linnyloo2]

Diana's funeral was the first time I heard this magnificent piece of choral music. Too bad the sound is so distorted on this clip. Go to the one posted by margotlorena for much better technical quality. I since purchased this piece on two CDs -- one a collection of Tavener pieces and one of the funeral. In the latter, the sound of the soldiers' boots on the marble floor of the Abbey add a sense of the inexorablility of time, for all of us.

[@banjoman2375]

Beautiful song. I sung that last year with a 2 choirs at a concert. It was absolutely breathtaking

[@andywolfie9]

i think they did really well that day,you can see how heavy the coffin is,these are tought Welsh guards and the coffin wobbles here and there yet they keep their composure.

[@grcboy29]

Haunting haunting beautiful hymn for a deceased young woman. Ends with hopeful strains. Amazing.

[@DennyAlbert]

There is no better song for Princess Diana!

[@SchismLou]

It's haunting and I'll never forget that moment in time. It still is sad, but the beauty of Diana still lives in the shadow of a dream.

[@NonInflatable]

Glorious music - and those amazing,disturbing dissonances....

[@badmattam]

a beautiful and moving piece of music beautifully sung . . . sublime.

[@thisiszaphod]

RIP John Tavener (1934 -2013)

[@yasminsawar4762]

A beautiful, compassionate and selfless Princess, who will always be remembered for Her magic touch. RIP, Diana.

[@gregoryburke8754]

Princess Diana's Funeral here in the United States, effected the masses as well.... Television both National and Cable Effected the solemnity of Princess Diana's Passing... Her Life.... in every aspect will be remembered through time and the Ages.... She was the the "Peoples Princess".... her life as mortal, her sins'.... and dedication to the ILL and the POOR, her CHARITY... will always be present.... in her compassion! Memory Eternal.....

[@Ericlb]

so beautiful song! I sung it last year with my high school choral. My favorite part is from 5:51 to the end, the 'resuretion' Omg it make me Chill every time i listen it!

[@Aldon3]

I got up early (here in the States) to watch this funeral and this is where I was unable to keep the tears from flowing.

[@golden-63]

RIP, Sir John Tavener. IMO, the greatest choral composer of our time.

[@EastCoastDude]

Thank you for posting this. Princess Diana's funeral was one of the saddest things one could ever see and hear, and it's hard to imagine how this song by John Tavener could be more profoundly moving. Words can hardly express the thoughts and emotions in those seven minutes. Hauntingly beautiful music and a truly unforgettable event to witness, albeit concerning the tragic nature of the human condition. Thank you again, tribecatom..Diana is missed by many.

[@Lizz85257]

I remember watching the funeral with my parents and sister when I was 9...I think we were all crying at this point. Such a beautiful piece of music

[@TownieGirl1974]

I am watching a documentary on The National Geographic Channel about the 90's and of course they talked about Princess Diana, her life, death and funeral. They said that 40% of the World's Population watched Diana's funeral live as it happened. That is absolutely amazing.

[@lisabradford8180]

as her brother said, it's a greater tribute to Diana than he could ever give her, the fact that so many people watched the funeral or stood in the streets, etc. it is amazing and shows how much the people thought of her myself included :)

[@anvilson]

a truly inspired choice of music on this occasion

[@donaldcase491]

This is one of the most emotional and hauntingly beautiful recessions that I have ever seen.

[@bagelboi66]

I got up in the middle of the night to watch this. I didn't trust my VCR, and besides it wouldn't have been the same. I sympathize, I was bawling for her loss by the end of the service. I still have tears in my eyes every August on that terrible anniversary. I'll never forget how Princess Diana hugged and comforted a man dying from HIV, how she always led by example, she showed no fear. She helped humanize the face of AIDS, she helped banish the fear. She's still the queen of people's hearts.

[@TownieGirl1974]

When ever I think of Diana's funeral, I instantly think of this song......

[@golden-63]

Tavener! The greatest living choral composer, IMO.

[@millicentchung1367]

You were so loved Lady D.

[@mightyfur]

I remember seeing this live on tv and the song for Anthene is so moving. It is ashame such great people die at a age so young. I am glad I found this song on youtube,

[@Frostie1208]

I still can't believe this...😭 I was up early is the U.S. to watch the funeral. Princess Diana captured my heart when I was 9 YO and 30 years later I'm still here. 💗👑💐

[@RhiannanAR1]

A truly sad and beautiful funeral, just as the Princess was in life.

[@atheatergeek]

There is no question that she went to heaven. May the Princess of the earth be ever remembered. R.I.P Queen Diana!

[@Inkerman1980]

As noted by others, what really sets this wonderful piece of music apart on this occasion is the haunting echo of 1st Battalion Welsh Guard slow march boot step on marble, what solemnity, what simplistic beauty.

[@magpie4321]

Great song by Tavener

[@Realalma]

After all these years I still haven't gotten over losing our Princess..........

[@spuds4t]

I listen to this through pair of Hi Fi headphones sitting on a tiny beach on the Helford river, Cornwall. no visual - just sounds - reduced me to tears. What an awful loss of such a beautiful child of our time

[@bellajay8466]

´The picture you built up with your words is so beautiful ...

[@Jerseysson27]

I cannot help but cry to this song, this is suitable to honor a friend of mine who unexpectedly passed away a few days ago. I'm still in sadness and grief.

[@chris01479]

british will be without diana. She was the wonderful mother who helped everybody in the world. Our thought will be with you and god, RIP Diana

[@DOCCAREY]

So Angelic like the great Person DSiana :).. Thank You so much for sharing video.

[@someoneold]

This is beautiful. I remember this like it was yesterday. I remember getting up at 5:00am (east coast USA) to watch. I felt since I watch the begining of the fairy tale, I should watch the end. Thank you for downloading this on youtube. I wish someone )maybe the BBC) wound put the whole funeral on DVD. People would buy it.

[@Jerseysson27]

I sang this in Bergen County Chorus in NJ, it was sooo profound. And I almost was in tears.

[@TownieGirl1974]

I could no agree with you more! Watching this part alone makes me think that, never mind the entire service. She deserved every bit of it, but I'd trade it all away to have her still here. I am know we all would. A million thanks to Tribecatom for posting all of these. I know how much work it took for you to do that too. Thank you.

[@karibellflame]

the most haunting song i have ever heard

[@thomascassidy8347]

This is so so sad and yet beautiful music,even after all these years I still miss the Princess so much,this world needs her more than ever now xx

[@rabyhook]

The song for Athena I could never forger. It was so dark, medieval. I remembered this day when I walked though the graveyard in my neighberhood. A peaceful autumn day. In Oslo.

[@Joehume1]

love the harmonies here at the climax. great talent of john tavener. amazing addition of the the organ as well

[@synergygirl]

this was one of the saddest days in the world...RIP Princess

[@doctorgsja]

This is without a doubt the best performance of 'Song for Athene' that I've heard. The low voices singing the 'Alleluia's are fabulously austere, rich and haunting. Also the drone below with the inversions causing the clashes is a terrific effect.

[@grooverheliboy]

Gone but never ever forgotten Loved in death as she was in life God bless you Diana we miss you so much !

[@susancharlton6926]

Oh my god it was so surreal. You just could,nt believe what was happening before your eyes. The dreaded steady steps of the Welsh Guards Pallbearers. A very sad day

[@mec7up]

Diana, we loved u so much. Just as her sister told us at the funeral : "complete these dear unfinished tasks of mine and I for chance may therein comfort you" Dians would want us to CONTINUE her journey trough helping others. HELP today, GIVE A HAND.

[@timothyj1966]

beautiful song sung for a beautiful English Princess...may flights of Angels sing thee to thy Rest...In Life you were Cindreralla and in Death you are Sleeping Beauty

[@PrincessDi1997]

I certainly think it was. Seeing the soldiers line up during the last verse of Cwm Rhondda was what pushed me over edge emotionally. I didn't want them to come and take the coffin away...

[@Operaandchant90]

just an amazing piece of music. amazing top c.

[@underdrifter]

my xbox 360 just died... ill be playing this when the coffin shows up... i'm gonna cry

[@staxss]

They have tried to block you from our hearts but they will never block you from our minds... Your bright light still shines through,, RIP Diana

[@reddawn3139]

So beautiful just like Lady Diana💞🦋

[@mikiosep9420]

The composer, Sir John Tavener, died in 2013 at age 69. He converted to Orthodox Christianity, which greatly influenced his music. The music of the Orthodox Church is often written in a minor key, which is why it is so hauntingly beautiful. It will be 20 years in 2017 since The Princess of Wales died. We will never know what Diana would have accomplished. I wish she were here to know her daughter-in-law, The Duchess of Cambridge, and to enjoy her grandchildren. Rest in peace, Diana. You are definitely missed.

[@merlijn0100]

It still moves me deeply and recently, I made an own compilation of Song for Athene. I'll never forget the moment, watching the TV and hearing this beautiful composition of Sir John Tavener.

[@mithrilmoon1]

Beautiful.

[@Wanch1e1ady]

the minor tone of this piece stirs the saddness of the time. Also the march of thecoffin bearers.

[@CMclovesMusic]

I sang this at my old high school for concert choir. Note wise, it's not that hard of a song but you have to build a connection with it.

[@ulcyld5011]

Un funeral unico como lo era diana al final tuvo un funeral con honores para ella.. Diana por siempre !! Forever!! ..

[@veronikaw9455]

Sad and haunting and beautiful

[@TheMackem22]

i did and watch it diana will b missed so much i cant wait till william is king

[@barthoedemaker]

i've been in those churches and the one diana was , such a great place, house of god . St-Pauls is also very beautiful, Lord Nelson lies there in the tomb.

[@literallyallthingsonice]

@tribecatom I meant while they were watching it on youtube. I felt compelled to be silent. This was stunning.

[@Robby334]

Remembered still Diana - Bless you

[@Wanch1e1ady]

things always seem to come for those you have feelings for, descending order, Diana, then way back the rest. I miss John denver too.

[@ylem19867]

I remember reading a magazine in which they made predictions at the beggining of 97 and they mention that in England they saw hearses, grief, and mourning, and that is exactly the images of this part of this funeral and this musical piece for remarkable woman to the british.

[@jrbflymeful]

We the people of this world love and miss you Queen of 💕 . Blessed be God forever!

[@ChingfordSpur]

I was singing in the choir as a chorister.

[@TownieGirl1974]

Very, very well said. Very well said indeed. I literally teared up reading this. It didn't help that I had this part playing when I did, but still. Well said said EastCoastDude. Really. Well, well said.

[@youmnatobar413]

i love diana so much.she was agreat person

[@Vierotchka]

R.I. P. Sir John Tavener.

[@frankbutler594]

As others have said,. This song stands out from all the other sad events of that day! I hear this song played on Radio and even though the recording is from I a CD, I can hear the Welsh Guards footsteps accompanying it!

[@jennywren413]

Why are people voting this comment down? It's very true! Diana may have been a beautiful, wonderful woman, but most people didn't actually know her at all. I appreciate the people's grief, but the mass sentimental blubbering *was* laid on too thick, and it cheapened the very real grief(well, presumably real, I don't know about all the conspiracy theories ;P) of those who were actually close to her. Well said, nigellaexpress.

[@PeterRIGBY08]

I know its been 13 years this August, but when you think about it, i still cant believe she is dead and the fact she has been dead for over a decade is beyond a joke!!

[@Gillhoolee]

Why does that matter? She may have well kept it going. She did her duty both for England and the Commonwealth. If one lesson is to be learned from her journey perhaps it is that we should stop looking for reasons to kick the crap out of each other and try and accept the fact that we are all imperfect, Royalty included.....RIP Diana

[@PrincessDi1997]

Thanks for the transcript!

[@jonsey44]

Heartbreaking xx RIP xxx

[@federicajames]

Well said!

[@slapcabbage]

Very moving, but ultimately, a song of hope - 'Come, enjoy crowns and rewards I have prepared for you'.

[@TyrSkyFatherOfTheGods]

Well timed!

[@clivesedgman6346]

it was a lead lined coffin the weight of it was immense yet nothing compared to the responsibility .

[@AnnaRusbatch]

RIP John Tavener

[@Ridley44Lev]

I really question the 11 people who disliked this video with its music.